East Side Gallery
Berlin, Germany · Landmark
About East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a 1.3-kilometer-long preserved section of the Berlin Wall located along the Spree River. It stands as the longest continuous open-air gallery in the world, featuring over one hundred murals painted by artists from across the globe shortly after the wall fell in 1989. Today, it serves as a powerful memorial to international freedom, reconciliation, and the peaceful end of the Cold War.
Don't miss
- Look for Dmitri Vrubel's iconic mural depicting the fraternal kiss between Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker.
- Admire Birgit Kinder's mural 'Test the Rest', which shows a classic East German Trabant car breaking through the wall.
- Take in views of the Spree River by strolling along the green public park area situated just behind the wall.
- Walk across the nearby Oberbaum Bridge, a striking double-decker brick landmark located at the southern end of the gallery.
Plan your visit
Visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid crowds and photograph the art without obstruction. Late afternoon during golden hour is also great for warm lighting by the river.
Visiting the East Side Gallery is completely free, and no tickets or advance bookings are required. It is an open-air public installation accessible at all times.
Take the S-Bahn or U-Bahn to Warschauer Straße or Ostbahnhof station from central Berlin. Both stations sit at opposite ends of the gallery and are just a short walk away.
Tips for visiting
- Walk the full stretch from Warschauer Straße to Ostbahnhof to see all the murals without backtracking.
- Do not write graffiti or touch the artwork, as the historic murals are delicate and regularly restored.
- Watch out for cyclists, as a designated bike lane runs directly parallel to the pedestrian path.
- Explore the river side behind the wall for peaceful views, grassy seating, and beach-style bars in summer.
- Cross the Oberbaum Bridge after your visit to explore the vibrant dining and cafe scene in Kreuzberg.
East Side Gallery FAQ
Is the East Side Gallery open 24 hours a day?
Yes, because it is located along a public sidewalk, the gallery is accessible at any time of day or night. However, visiting during daylight hours is strongly recommended to properly see the art and take photos.
Are the murals the original paintings from 1990?
Many of the murals were damaged by weather and graffiti over the years, leading to a major restoration project in 2009. Most of the original artists were invited back to completely recreate or restore their works on restored sections of concrete.
Is the East Side Gallery accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, the entire gallery runs alongside a flat, paved sidewalk suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers. There are no steps required to view the murals along Mühlenstraße.
Are there public restrooms and food options nearby?
You can find public restrooms inside the nearby Ostbahnhof and Warschauer Straße stations or in the East Side Mall across the street. The surrounding area offers dozens of cafes, bakeries, and casual restaurants.
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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: PeterDargatz, schaerfsystem on Pixabay.