Dream On: Berlin in the 90s: A Journey to the Post-Reunification Years at Amerika Haus until January 23, 2025
Step back into Berlin's thrilling post-reunification years with the exhibition Dream On - Berlin in the 90s at Amerika Haus, open until January 23, 2025. This immersive exhibition captures the energy, chaos, and creative freedom that characterized Berlin after the fall of the Wall, a period marked by hope, reinvention, and newfound unity.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall: A New Chapter
On the night of November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell, bringing a long-awaited end to division and marking the beginning of a new chapter for both Berlin and Germany. For many Berliners, it was the start of an era filled with optimism and fresh beginnings, but also uncertainty and significant challenges. The exhibition beautifully portrays this complex journey, documenting how Berlin redefined itself as a unified city.
C/O Berlin and the 90s: A Unique Photo Exhibition
Hosted by C/O Berlin at Amerika Haus, Dream On - Berlin in the 90s presents over 200 photographs that capture the key moments, places, and faces of Berlin during this pivotal decade. The exhibition covers everything from the founding of the Ostkreuz photography agency to the birth of Berlin's famous techno scene. It provides a window into the excitement, experimentation, and spirit of those years, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Berlin’s modern history.
The Techno Movement: A Cultural Awakening
The 90s saw Berlin emerge as a global center for techno music, with the newly unified city offering abandoned buildings as ideal spaces for underground music and dance. This genre, originating in the United States, found a new home in Berlin, uniting people from both sides of the former Wall on the dance floors. The exhibition highlights the evolution of this musical revolution, showcasing its influence on Berlin’s culture and identity as a city of freedom and expression.
Witnesses of Change: The Ostkreuz Photographers
In 1990, a group of East German photographers founded the Ostkreuz photography agency, which became both a professional and creative collective. Their photographs document life in Berlin through the lens of those who lived through reunification, capturing moments of identity exploration and the societal shifts of the 90s. These images provide a vivid portrayal of everyday life and offer a unique perspective on Berlin’s transition period.
New Life in Old Spaces: Berlin’s Alternative Communities
With the newfound freedom came opportunities to reclaim and repurpose Berlin’s unused spaces. The 90s saw the birth of alternative living and creative communities throughout the city. Empty industrial buildings and abandoned properties transformed into meeting points for artists, activists, and squatters. These places became incubators for creative expression and have left a lasting impact on Berlin’s cultural landscape.
Nearby Sight: Brandenburg Gate and Surrounding Landmarks
After exploring the exhibit, take a short walk to Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace. Situated near C/O Berlin, the gate offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history. A stroll down Unter den Linden allows you to see landmarks such as the Academy of Arts and the Holocaust Memorial, providing a fitting historical context to the transformative 90s era depicted in the exhibition.
At a Glance
Address, Opening Hours …
What: Dream On — Berlin in the 90s
Where: C/O Berlin (in the Amerika Haus), Hardenbergstraße 22, 10623 Berlin
When: until January 23, 2025
Opening Hours: daily from 11 am to 8 pm
Admission: €12, reduced €6. Free admission for ages up to 18