Teutoburger Platz

Just as in many areas of the GDR (German Democratic Republic), the old buildings around Teutoburger Platz were in a dilapidated state. More and more young people moved into the run-down flats – often illegally. A complex subculture developed. Artists moved into the area. Readings and exhibitions took place. This was the beginning of the legendary Prenzlauer Berg scene.

Some of those who lived here were opponents of the regime, who criticised the East German state in spite of Stasi persecution. Discussion circles were formed. Opposition groups arose from these circles and publicly condemned human rights violations. Fehrbelliner Straße 7 was the home of opposition activists, who founded the environment library

at the Zion Church in 1986. Punk bands like Feeling B held their rehearsals here. Several editions of the underground

magazine grenzfall (fall of the border) were written at number 89 of the same street in 1987.

The Initiative for Peace and Human Rights, one of the most important opposition groups, had been meeting in Bärbel

Bohley’s studio at Teutoburger Platz since 1986. Her home came into the public eye when the largest citizens’ movement

New Forum was founded; Bärbel Bohley was a co-initiator. On 9 November 1989 the legalisation of New Forum was announced in Bohley’s courtyard. Thousands of people had demonstrated for weeks all over the GDR to reach this goal.