Designer Rudolf Horn is dead
The furniture he designed accompanied many people in the GDR - and is still in demand today. Horn has now died at the age of 96.
News zu #History
Author Haratischwili sees decline in freedom of expression
Georgian-born author Nino Haratischwili is concerned about the state of democracy in the West. A cornerstone is being "imperceptibly" damaged.
Leipzig commemorates the peaceful revolution 36 years ago
Every year on October 9, Leipzig commemorates the peaceful revolution of 1989. This time, a special event is scheduled for the evening.
Leipzig commemorates the peaceful revolution 36 years ago
Every year on October 9, Leipzig commemorates the peaceful revolution of 1989. This time, a special event is scheduled for the evening.
Foundation stone laid for Leipzig Unity Monument
A monument to freedom and unity in Leipzig has been discussed for many years, but now it is actually going to happen. The foundation stone will be laid on a special date.
A third of citizens see differences between East and West
On the eve of German Unity Day, several surveys show that the gap between East and West is widening again - especially from the perspective of East Germans.
Commissioner for Eastern Europe takes stock of German unity
The two German states united 35 years ago. How far have they grown together?
Concert aims to bring German division to life through music
A wall divides the Freiheitshalle in Hof on the Day of German Unity. The musicians on stage and the audience are also separated. But the production ends just like the story 35 years ago.
Slight majority of East Germans see unification as a gain
Shortly before the Day of German Unity, a survey explored the attitudes of East Germans. How do people view reunification?
Renovation for 9.1 million - Carriage museum celebrates reopening
The carriage museum in Augustusburg has been completely renovated. Visitors can not only view carriages from several centuries, but also become coachmen themselves.
More than 100,000 visitors to the Chemnitz Industrial Museum
In the Capital of Culture year, Chemnitz's museums offer a wide range of exhibitions. And they are very popular. The Industrial Museum, for example, is already reporting record visitor numbers.
Experts discuss monument protection for GDR agriculture
According to experts, the GDR was one of the pioneers of industrialized agriculture. Now many a plant is reaching the age when it can be listed.
Prague Castle displays Bohemian crown jewels
It is a rare opportunity: for a short time, the famous Wenceslas Crown from the 14th century is on display in Prague. Normally it is kept safe - behind seven locks.
Show presents treasures from China's imperial era
Those who don't want to travel almost ten thousand kilometers to Taiwan now have the chance to see numerous rare exhibits in Prague. Many of them come from the imperial art collections.
Trabi, Wartburg & Co: This is how much GDR cars are worth today
After reunification, many owners couldn't get rid of them quickly enough, and today they are in demand as classic cars: classic cars from the GDR. How many of these vehicles are still around?
Trabi, Wartburg & Co: This is how much GDR cars are worth today
After reunification, many owners couldn't get rid of them quickly enough, and today they are in demand as classic cars: classic cars from the GDR. How many of these vehicles are still around?
Presentation plans for Wismut heritage are slimmed down
The legacy of the uranium mining company Wismut is to be reappraised and exhibited at two locations. This has been a long time coming. However, it is now clear that the plans need to be scaled back.
"Black Book": Foundation laments lost monuments
Whether it's a hereditary court or a historic petrol station: unique buildings in Germany should actually be preserved. But things often turn out differently, according to a new "black book".
Klepsch: Building the Wall was a symbol of political oppression
The Wall was built 64 years ago. This sealed the division of Germany.
Restored GDR prestige train will not be rolling for the time being after all
Optimism still prevailed at the open day at the Halberstadt plant in June. Now new technical problems have come to light. The historic express train still has further hurdles to overcome.
Sodann library in Staucha plagued by money worries
The actor Peter Sodann collected thousands and thousands of books from the GDR. After his death, his library is faced with the question of what to do next.
From coffee to tampons: DDR Museum seeks East German products
One more rummage in the attic: The Berlin DDR Museum is looking for everyday products from the East for its exhibition. Which treasures are particularly hard to find 35 years later.
Evidence of Nazi-looted art in smaller museums
Smaller museums in Saxony are also checking their collections for Nazi-looted art. What have the investigations revealed so far?
Restored GDR prestige train to roll again soon
The historic express train is not yet operational and technically approved. Interested parties still need a little patience before they can book rides. It was now possible to take a look inside.
Youth literature prize for novel about GDR tunnel escapes
The author Maja Nielsen from Hamburg is being honored for her book for young people "Der Tunnelbauer". In it, she sheds light on daring escapes from the GDR. The main character is a boy from East Berlin.
"Good luck!": Historic mills attract visitors in many places
Every year on Whit Monday, many historic mills open their doors to visitors. The nationwide kick-off was celebrated in North Saxony.
Construction of the Sachsenburg concentration camp memorial secured
The National Socialists set up one of the first German concentration camps in Central Saxony. Sachsenburg was also a training center for the SS - a memorial commemorates this.
Like the Brücke artists - anniversary retrospective
The artists of the "Brücke" found inspiration and relaxation at the Dippelsdorf pond near Moritzburg. Every year, the cultural summer at the gates of Dresden commemorates this - this time with a special focus.
Thuringian archive now maintains part of the Amiga heritage
In the GDR, the Amiga label released records by artists such as Frank Schöbel and the Puhdys, but also by musicians from the West. An important archive of these records is now maintained in Eisenach.
Hundreds of events in the Year of Jewish Culture 2026
Jewish life has existed in Saxony since the Middle Ages. A theme year is intended to honor this culture - but also to draw attention to Jewish perspectives of the present and promote exchange.
Philharmonic Orchestra from Munich and Israel play memorial concert
Two orchestras from two countries form a joint ensemble and perform a memorial concert in Dresden to mark the end of the Second World War. The 97-year-old composer is also present.
Saxon libraries return Nazi-looted property
Provenance researchers have been searching for unlawful cultural property in libraries and archives for years. This is funded by the federal and state governments - and now there have been hits again in Saxony.
"No Secret": show on mining history at a historic location
During the Cold War, the GDR supplied large quantities of uranium for the Soviet Union's nuclear program. An exhibition at an authentic location provides insights into this chapter of German mining history.
Top orchestras play under the banner of peace in Dresden
Two top international orchestras perform together in Dresden. In the run-up to the music festival, they are setting an example of reconciliation - in memory of a dark past.
Soviet memorial in Dresden completely renovated
The Soviet memorial for fallen soldiers of the Red Army in Dresden was the first of its kind in Germany in 1945. The work, including the pedestal, has now been completely overhauled.
Leipzig gives the green light for the construction of the Unity Monument
It has been a long struggle for years. Now it has been decided: Leipzig is to get a unity monument. However, the decision in the city council did not go entirely smoothly.
March snowflake chosen as riparian forest species 2025 in Leipzig
The marsh fritillary was selected as the 2025 riparian forest species in Leipzig. This rare plant is an early bloomer and is specially protected in the riparian forest.
Wall painting by Gerhard Richter partially uncovered
The world-famous painter's diploma work was hidden behind several layers of paint for almost half a century. Now visitors can at least view the central part of the work.
GDR post-war modernism: Altenberg church as a cultural testimony
A new church with special details was built in the Eastern Ore Mountains during the reunification period. The building is now being honored as a testimony to post-war GDR modernism.
Future Fund promotes German-Czech remembrance work
The Future Fund in Prague has approved 1.4 million euros for 222 German-Czech projects. Among other things, schoolchildren are dealing with the Second World War and the Holocaust.
Former GDR civil rights activist Gerd Poppe is dead
He rebelled against the GDR superiors and urged the Greens to take a more realistic view of foreign policy. Gerd Poppe has now passed away.
Start of the season in Saxony's castles and gardens
Saxony's palaces, castles and gardens are waking up from their winter break. The historic sites are usually open again from the beginning of April.
A new shine for mother-of-pearl: millions invested in Adorf
Once upon a time, Adorf produced consumer and luxury items from the shimmering interior of pearl mussels. Now an experience center is to open and address critical issues such as nature conservation and species preservation.
Demonstrations in Dresden - Mayor calls for peaceful statement
Every year, right-wing extremists try to abuse the anniversary of the destruction of Dresden. The city defends itself against myth-making and the falsification of history - even after February 13.
Victims of the SED regime receive better help
Many people suffered under the SED regime. Their compensation will be improved in future. After the Bundestag, the Bundesrat has now also cleared the way for this.
Schleyer son: Only one RAF perpetrator has apologized
Former terrorist Silke Maier-Witt has asked the son of kidnap victim Hanns Martin Schleyer for forgiveness. Jörg Schleyer finds this remarkable.
Minute's silence in the state parliament for victims of the Second World War
On the day of Dresden's destruction in the Second World War, the Saxon State Parliament commemorates all the victims of this war. Dresden calls for reconciliation and peace.
More visitors to the Königstein - 2025 festival for giant barrel
As a preserved testimony to Saxon history, Königstein Fortress is a tourist magnet in the Free State of Saxony. More and more guests are also coming from abroad - and the site is keeping up with the times.
Dierks: Passing on the lessons of February 13 to young people
On February 13 every year, the people of Dresden commemorate the destruction of their city during the Second World War. But the focus is not only on the past.
Kretschmer urges vigilance at memorial service
The Pirna Sonnenstein was a testing ground for the mass extermination carried out by the Nazis. Almost 14,000 people fell victim to the "euthanasia" crimes at the killing center.
Commissioner: Stand up resolutely against anti-Semitism
The anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp is a day of remembrance in Germany for the victims of National Socialism. 80 years later, anti-Semitism is once again affecting Jewish life.
Temporary stumbling blocks from Zeitz in the museum
The theft of all ten stumbling blocks in Zeitz caused outrage last year. Schoolchildren produced temporary replacements from the 3D printer, which have now ended up in the museum.
Exhibition provides an insight into the monastery library
Saxony acquired the historically valuable library of the St. Marienthal monastery in Ostritz (Görlitz district) in 2023. Now, for the first time, an exhibition provides access to the bibliophile treasures.
Commemoration of deportations during the Nazi era at Dresden railroad station
Dresden's annual commemoration is more than just a reminder of the city's destruction at the end of the Second World War. The focus is also always on sites of National Socialist violence.
New Lützen Museum attracts thousands of visitors
The Battle of Lützen in 1632 was one of the main battles of the Thirty Years' War. The newly designed museum shows how important peace is.
Former GDR minister Hans Reichelt dies
In GDR times, Hans Reichelt was responsible for environmental policy for decades. In the process, he made a friend in the West.
Schwarzenberg celebrates 875 years of town history
The writer Stefan Heym made Schwarzenberg famous throughout Germany with a novel of the same name. The beginnings of the town go back to distant times.
Leftists want the anniversary of the end of the war in 1945 as a day of remembrance
May 8, 1945 marked a turning point. On this day, the largest war in European history to date came to an end. According to the left, it should be a day of remembrance.
Heartfelt in a heartless time: 90 years of "Father and Son"
The characters from the pen of e.o. plauen (1903-1944) still enchant many people today. There is a touching life story behind the many funny adventures of the two comic heroes.
Focus on cultural assets from former colonies
Many items from the colonial era can be found in German museum and university collections. They are now being examined. These include hunting trophies and mortal remains such as skulls.
Focus on cultural assets from former colonies
Many items from the colonial era can be found in German museum and university collections. They are now being examined. These include hunting trophies and mortal remains such as skulls.
Karl Wilhelm Fricke Prize: Application phase started
The Karl Wilhelm Fricke Prize is awarded annually for outstanding commitment to freedom, democracy and civil courage. Proposals can now be submitted for 2025.
New permanent exhibition opened at Torgau youth work camp
Thousands of young people who were labeled as difficult in the GDR ended up in the Jugendwerkhof in Torgau. They were to be re-educated. A new exhibition commemorates their history.
Germany's longest-serving children's television character turns 65
What do the green arrow at the traffic lights, the Halloren balls and the Sandman have in common? They all survived the long-defunct GDR. The Sandman is now celebrating a special birthday.
Historic GDR express train to be put on the track in Radebeul
The SVT express railcar once ran from Berlin via Dresden and Prague to Vienna - even if it was the last stop for GDR citizens before then. Now it is to be put back on the rails.
Leipzig Bach Archive acquires unknown Mendelssohn composition
An original composition by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy remained undiscovered for around 150 years. Now the Bach Archive has acquired it from a private collection.
Parties set different accents on November 9
November 9 is a special day in German history. It stands for the pogroms against Jews in 1938 as well as for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, so it will always be a day of remembrance.
Saxony's state parliament president appeals to young generation to defend freedom and democracy
November 9 is a special day in German history. It stands for the pogroms against Jews in 1938 as well as for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, so it will always be a day of remembrance.
Saxony's Minister of Social Affairs calls for the fight against anti-Semitism
Saturday marks the 86th anniversary of the Pogrom Night. Saxony's Minister of Social Affairs commemorates the victims and calls for anti-Semitic statements to be combated.
Bas pays tribute to the courage of East Germans when the Wall came down
It is now 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Bundestag is taking this as an opportunity for a debate. Its President also recalls the consequences for the people of East Germany.
Actress Lisa Bitter remembers the fall of the Berlin Wall
"Tatort" actress Lisa Bitter grew up in Franconia, the GDR was not far away. After reunification, she studied in Saxony. How did the social upheaval affect her back then?
NSU: Pilot documentation center in Chemnitz takes shape
There will be a first documentation center on the NSU crimes in Chemnitz in 2025. Minister of State for Culture Roth and Minister for Democracy Meier visited the site to see for themselves.
Commemoration of NSU victims - Özoğuz: important day for relatives
For years, the right-wing extremist NSU terrorists lived unmolested in Saxony. On the day they unmasked themselves, the victims are commemorated here.
Memorial against the war - New museum opens in Lützen
After three and a half years of construction, the "Museum Lützen 1632" opens and takes visitors back to the time of the Thirty Years' War. How did the soldiers live during one of the bloodiest battles in history?
Richard Strauss' turbulent marriage drama 'Intermezzo' is celebrated at the Semperoper Dresden
At the Semperoper, Richard Strauss is considered the house god alongside Richard Wagner. 100 years after the premiere of Strauss' opera "Intermezzo", there is a new production of the work with autobiographical features.
Winning design for Freedom and Unity Monument presented in Leipzig
The Peaceful Revolution of 1989 united the previously divided Germany. A monument to freedom and unity is to be erected in Leipzig next year. The winning designs have now been presented.
Show about GDR isolation camps at Augustusburg Castle
In the event of a crisis, the Stasi wanted to intern GDR enemies from Germany and abroad in castles that were used as youth hostels. The plans for this are largely unknown - until now.
Emigration of young people from East Germany continues
In 2023, more young people will have moved from the eastern German states to the west than vice versa. What does this mean for the age structure? And what about immigration from abroad?
New Natural History Museum in Leipzig: construction begins on major underground project
From bowling alley to natural history museum - construction work has begun on the new museum location in Leipzig. Four years and a lot of money are planned for the conversion.
Former head of the health insurance fund rejects NS accusations
Klaus Heckemann lost his position as chairman of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians because of a foreword on human genetics. He feels misunderstood - and defends his "eugenics" statements.
Chief medical officer relieved of duty after "eugenics" statement
The head of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Saxony has made a controversial statement on human genetics and spoken of "eugenics". This has consequences.
Money for the preservation of written cultural heritage in Saxony
Saxony's libraries and archives preserve the state's memory. Preserving, maintaining and researching this written cultural heritage costs money - and some of it has to be saved from decay.
Around 800 properties in Saxony open on Monument Day
Saxony is a state rich in monuments. Billions are invested in the preservation and maintenance of its unique heritage, including by the state. Hundreds of objects are opened to the public every year - even those that are otherwise closed.
Criticism of human genetics editorial
The head of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Saxony has commented on human genetics in a foreword and spoken of "eugenics". This has been met with criticism. There are calls for consequences.
Pilot documentation center on the NSU complex takes shape
There will be a first documentation center on the NSU crimes in Chemnitz in 2025. The foundations have been laid, now the implementation begins.
Clemens Meyer put welcome money into Karl May books
The writer Clemens Meyer read all of Karl May's adventure books as a boy. They were even worth almost all of his welcome money after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Exhibition in Zwickau on the deeds and reappraisal of the NSU
Zwickau is one of the cities inextricably linked to the right-wing extremist terror cell NSU. The core trio lived there and planned their crimes. A new exhibition is now dedicated to this.
Home and identity in the focus of the 2029 national exhibition
Previous state exhibitions have highlighted individual chapters in Saxony's history. In 2029, the entire 1100 years will be covered - at one of the most important original locations.
Chancellor Scholz speaks at the ceremony on October 9
Every year, the city of Leipzig commemorates October 9, 1989, one of the milestones of the peaceful revolution. This year, the Federal Chancellor is expected to attend the celebrations.
Grillenburg hunting lodge in Tharandt becomes the TUD's new science and conference center
The Tharandt Forest near Dresden is home to a historical gem. Built for a Wettin, the hunting lodge was later also used for research - now it is being brought out of its slumber.
Preparations underway: Saxony's history to be presented in Albrechtsburg Castle in 2029
Four state exhibitions have so far shed light on chapters in Saxony's history. Now, in 2029, it takes a look at 1100 years - at an original location.
Historian emphasizes positive aspects of the East-West debate
Three new state parliaments will be elected in East Germany in a few weeks' time. The authors' association Pen Berlin takes this as an opportunity to discuss the mood in the country.
Cultural Foundation sponsors exhibition on the Meissen porcelain manufactory in the GDR
Founded in 1710 after the invention of European hard porcelain, the Meissen manufactory is world-famous. The Staatliche Kunstsammlungen are now shedding light on this rather unexplored chapter of its history.
German-German Museum Mödlareuth shortly before the opening of the new building
During the Cold War, a wall ran through Mödlareuth on the former inner-German border. The German-German Museum in the village has been dealing with the division since 1990. It is currently being expanded.
First car "Made in Zwickau" is back - as a replica
Cars have been built in Zwickau for 120 years. This tradition was founded by engineer August Horch. An association has now resurrected the very first car built here.
Saxony expands cooperation with Yad Vashem
The Free State of Bavaria has been cooperating with the Israeli memorial for years. On site, teachers can prepare for lessons on the Holocaust and how to deal with anti-Semitism.
Around 260 historic vehicles on the longest federal highway
The 7th long-distance classic car tour led along the B96 from Zittau to Binz. The next one is due to take place in five years' time.
Tourism in Saxony: Nature, history and Christmas as top drivers
Nature and the countryside in combination with the cities are the strongest drivers for Saxony's tourism. Christmas, history and tradition also make the Free State an attractive destination.
100 years of the Fichtelberg suspension railroad: a landmark in the Ore Mountains
The Fichtelberg suspension railroad is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is an important attraction for tourists in the Ore Mountains. Find out more about the history and significance of Germany's oldest aerial cableway.
Green Vault shows baroque chess game in new exhibition
The Dresden Green Vault preserves unique treasures of the art of treasures. Some of the showpieces listed in old inventories are missing - but there are some surprising replacements.