Museums & Memorials One wall provides visitors with a fascinating timeline that chronologically displays authentic video game consoles, from 1975 to 2011, displaying everything from early Apple computers to newer Playstation models. Highlights of the Computerspiele Museum are classic games like Pong or Gauntlet on authentic arcade machines, and Zork on an old-school computer—all of which are playable. Also hard to miss is a giant joystick which you can hop onto for invigorating rounds of Pac-Man by yourself or with a friend. By Lily Prasuethsut
surveillance equipment are a definite must see. Highlights include the hidden cameras disguised as watering cans, marker pens and even a tree stump. It can appear all too comical at times but the shocking dark truth is apparent when reading about the many lives that were ruined through the MfS’s nefarious activities. The museum lacks English translations but this isn’t too problematic as audio guides are only three Euros enriching your experience. For 5 Euros, the Stasi Museum is a very educational and intriguing museum which may leave you looking over your shoulder more often than you used to. By Adam Harris
Lichtenberg Stasi Museum Ruschestraβe 103 Magdalenenstraβe (U5) Mon - Fri 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Sat - Sun 12:00 am - 6:00 pm €4.00 - €5.00 www.stasimuseum.de A sign fittingly reads “For your safety, surveillance cameras” as you exit the U-Bahn at Magdalenenstraβe, the nearest station for the Stasi museum. Hidden away in what was once the former head office for the Ministerium für Staatssicherheit (MfS) lies an exhibition that explores the shady side of state security in East Berlin. The museum has the appearance of a novelty office from the early nineties. Full of brown décor, the offices give the impression that the Stasi museum might be a bit of a drag. But despite being simple in appearance, there is a lot to take in. The museum covers the history of the MfS and gives insight into the lives of agents and suspects surrounding Cold War espionage. The displays of low-tech
Charlottenberg Käthe Kollwitz Museum Fasanenstraβe 24 Uhlandstraβe (U8) 11:00 am - 6:00 pm €3 - €6 www.kathe-kollwitz.de Famed for her hard-hitting interpretations of war, mortality and bereavement during early twentieth century Germany, Käthe Kollwitz is one of Germany’s most prolific artists. Situated in lovely Charlottenburg, this museum is the permanent home to a wide collection of her life’s work. Spread over three floors of an immaculate manor house, it is the perfect place to explore the psychological depths and political undertones underpinning her career. Sculptures, lithographs and sketches are accompanied with detailed biographical information and historical background. Exhibitions are concisely displayed being grouped chronologically or placed according to subject matter.
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