Exhibition theme: The Border Opens: Bits of Wall for sale and tools for hire [14/87]
Almost everyone knows to this day where he or she was on 9 November 1989. The joy at being suddenly granted the freedom to travel, also to West Germany, was immense. Each time a new border crossing was opened, people celebrated. In the same way, the removal of segments of the Wall and of border fence, as well as the reconstruction of roads between East and West became important events. Countless photographs and films taken in Berlin and at the inner-German border document these incidents as they occurred – thus preserving the good fortune of experiencing everything live for the family album.
Original Caption
"Goings-on are friendly and relaxed at the Wall during these weeks. Although prohibited, no one can resist carving out pieces of the Wall. Dealers sell fragments or hire out hammers. Even a medical centre initiative is doing this so as to raise money for medicines in the GDR."
