The Museum

The Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum is the main museum in Germany documenting flight and emigration from the former East Germany (GDR).

Unlike virtually any other site, the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum highlights the interconnectedness of East and West German history. Migration from East Germany to West Germany exerted a profound impact on political, economic and social developments in both post-war German states. Located at the intersection of these two competing systems, the former refugee camp was a focus of considerable interest on both sides of the border.

The dual nature of German history after 1945 is reflected not only in politics and society. It also makes itself known in the lives of the refugees and emigrants from the GDR, encompassing their experiences in the East and West. For this reason, Marienfelde is not only a political site of memory. For those directly affected by the events of the post-war period, it is a highly personal memorial as well.

The main function of today’s memorial museum is two-fold: to keep alive the memory of Germany’s division and the border that ran through Germany and to relate this history to future generations.

Through our permanent exhibition, a diverse set of educational and program events, special exhibitions and research projects, we wish to convey our knowledge of flight and emigration during Germany’s post-war division.