Art · History · The Wall
East Side Gallery
The longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, painted by artists from around the world into an open-air gallery.
Running along Mühlenstraße, the East Side Gallery is, at around 1.3 kilometers, the longest continuous surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall. After the Wall fell, more than a hundred artists from around the world painted the eastern side of the hinterland wall in 1990, creating one of the largest open-air galleries in the world. Among the best-known images is the "Fraternal Kiss" between Brezhnev and Honecker.
The walk is free and accessible at any time, as the paintings sit right along the street. The works have been restored several times over the years, and their messages revolve around freedom, reunification and political hope. In places it gets narrow and crowded, so early hours make for calmer photos.
The gallery runs right along the Spree opposite the Friedrichshain riverbank, within sight of the Oberbaum Bridge. The walk combines well with a visit to Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg. If you want to learn more about the division, pair it with the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Frequently asked
What to know about East Side Gallery
Is there an admission charge for the East Side Gallery?
No, the painted wall stands in public space along Mühlenstraße and is freely accessible around the clock.
How long does the walk take?
For the full stretch of about 1.3 kilometers, allow roughly 45 to 90 minutes, depending on how much you photograph and read.
When is it least crowded?
Early in the morning is quietest. During the day, especially on weekends, crowds gather at the best-known images.
Nearby & related
Pairs well with this
More attractions that combine nicely with a visit to East Side Gallery.
Oberbaum Bridge
A striking brick bridge over the Spree connecting Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.
Berlin Wall Memorial
The central place of remembrance for the division, with a preserved border strip on Bernauer Straße.
Checkpoint Charlie
The former border crossing between East and West, today a symbol of the Cold War.
More in Friedrichshain
More attractions in Friedrichshain
Other highlights in the same district that pair well with a visit to East Side Gallery.
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Planning a visit to East Side Gallery? Here you'll find places to stay in the Friedrichshain district.
Tours & tickets around East Side Gallery
Guided walks, skip-the-line tickets and experiences around East Side Gallery. A curated selection from GetYourGuide, bookable directly.
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