20 years ago the Wall fell
There are a large number of events, exhibitions and installations taking place all year – ranging from photographic exhibitions documenting the momentous events of 1989/90 to tours of the former route of the Berlin Wall and the last remaining stretches of Wall in existence. At Alexanderplatz from May 7th there will be a large, free, open-air exhibition entitled The Peaceful Revolution which will trace the events leading up to the fall of the Wall and beyond to reunification in 1990. From June 1st to the end of August, the Deutsche Historische Museum has a photographic exhibition tracing the fall of the GDR. 
Berlin is a city that wears its history on its sleeve; a city of monuments, memorials and Mauer. 2009 sees not only the 48th anniversary of the erection of the Berlin Wall, but also the •20th anniversary of its fall. These two contrasting events have shaped the development of Berlin through the second half of the 20th century and have led to the evolution of a forward-looking, modern metropolis, which has not lost sight of its colourful, dramatic and oftentimes difficult past.
In the first half of July the •East Side Gallery presents a photographic documentation of art on the Berlin Wall. August 13th is the anniversary of the Wall’s construction, and there are a number of commemorative events taking place, including a walking tour from the Brandenburg Gate. The annual Long Night of Museums also focuses on the historic events of 1989 but chooses to concentrate on Berlin’s evolution since then. Perhaps the highpoint of the year’s celebrations is the three day open-air Freedom Festival around the Brandenburg Gate from November 7th to 9th, featuring concerts, street parties and re-enactments. For more details on all of these events and more, check out the links we’ve put together for you and make sure you make the most of this exciting year in Berlin!