The East Side Gallery stands as a lasting testament to Berlin’s resilience. Originally constructed to divide East and West Germany during the Cold War, the Gallery was formed when the Berlin Wall was finally torn down in 1989. Spanning nearly a mile (1.3 km), it boasts more than 100 murals created by international artists to capture the euphoria and optimism of the era. From iconic paintings like Dmitri Vrubel’s Fraternal Kiss and Thierry Noir’s cartoon faces to graffiti tagging, the artwork encapsulates the city’s creativity and hope.

Despite the Gallery becoming a tourist destination, visited by over three million people annually, it still holds a special significance for the locals. Each time they pass by, the East Side Gallery serves as a reminder of how far Berlin has come.

However, there is a darker side to its history. In 2009, a controversial restoration took place, as the Wall had begun to decay due to atmospheric conditions and tourist graffiti. Some of the most famous murals were erased and, in some cases, artists were asked to repaint them, which led to legal disputes due to inadequate income. In 2013, plans to demolish part of the monument to build luxurious apartments were met with protests and the murals were eventually moved and preserved.