Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig

Leipzig, Germany

The Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig is a museum of contemporary German history. Since 1999 it presents Germany's divided (1949–1989) and common (since 1989) history since the end of World War II, with focus on dictatorship and opposition in the Soviet Occupation Zone and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It is located in the city center of Leipzig, Germany. The permanent exhibition gives insight into the history of opposition and civil disobedience in the repressive one-party state of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). Furthermore, it focuses on the history of everyday life in the Soviet Occupation Zone and the GDR from the end of World War II in 1945 until the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 and German reunification. More than 3.2000 objects are displayed in the permanent exhibition where personal stories and experiences play an important part. The museum displays a permanent exhibition and up to three temporary exhibitions every year. Moreover, it organises lectures, readings, film screenings and other events on history. Its collection on GDR history comprises over 200.000 objects, for example the literary and artistic estate of Johannes Hegenbarth, author of GDR comic Mosaik. The museum is run by Haus der Geschichte foundation. Admission is free.