Program
TBC
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
A screening of With the People, a documentary on how citizen participation in Stockholm, Bologna and Poznań builds trust in local government, followed by a discussion among former elected leaders. Film screening (approx. 20 min), followed by a discussion among former elected leaders, moderated by Suki Capobianco, Co-CEO of the Better Politics Foundation.
Verlagshaus Der Tagesspiegel
Vor Ort
Conference
DER OSTEN – Konferenz für Ideen und Macher ist eine der führenden Veranstaltungen für Ostdeutschland und darüber hinaus. Die hybride Konferenz bringt dieses Jahr zum vierten Mal mehr als 1.200 Macherinnen und Macher aus Politik, Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Zivilgesellschaft zusammen, um die drängendsten Fragen Ostdeutschlands und darüber hinaus zu diskutieren und Antworten zu suchen.
Fri, 6 Nov 17:00 – 23:59
Kino International
Vor Ort
Other
Fifty years after Wolf Biermann’s expulsion from the GDR, we look back on a watershed moment in German history. The evening draws on music, literature and film to explore protest, exile and what freedom of expression means today.
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Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung – Bundesstiftung Berlin
Vor Ort
Exhibition
An exhibition about courageous women activists from Afghanistan: for more than 20 years, they fought for women's rights. When the Taliban seized power in 2021, they had to flee. From Germany, they continue their fight.
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Museum in der Kulturbrauerei
Vor Ort
Exhibition
The exhibition shows what East Germans’ lives were like. It shows how the Communist regime shaped everyday life, how people coped with the lack of things and the borders, and how they created free spaces for themselves.
TH Wildau
Vor Ort
Keynote
Learn about podcasting & explore the digital world with Minel (12), Jan (17), and Prof. Lydia Göse. Two young podcasters explain how they got into podcasting and what it all entails. Afterward, they record a live podcast episode on-site with Prof. Göse. This episode will later be broadcasted as part of the “Brandwissen” podcast.
Berliner Unterwelten e.V.
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Near the Bernauer Straße tunnel construction hotspot, we recount the fascinating history of Berlin’s escape tunnels. Afterwards, eyewitness Eveline Rudolph will talk about her escape through the famous ‘Tunnel 29’.
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MACHmit! Museum für Kinder
Vor Ort
Workshop
Creative workshop "Freedom for All" with works by artist Nadia Budde. In German.
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Tränenpalast
Vor Ort
Exhibition
The exhibition at this historical site shows how the division of Germany and the construction of the Berlin Wall came about. It also explains how the customs and passport checkpoint functioned at the Tränenpalast.
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Museum in der Kulturbrauerei
Vor Ort
Exhibition
The exhibition features photographs by “Stern” photographer Harald Schmitt, as well as by scene photographers Thomas Kalak and Helge Tscharn. It is further enriched by numerous photographs and artefacts from both East and West.
–
Humboldt Forum
Vor Ort
Exhibition
In 2018, Gabi Dolff-Bonekämper found the discarded chairs from the Round Table in a shed in Pankow. The installation "Sturzlage" recreates the impression of disorder back then.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Markus Wiehler, ein echter (Ost-)Berliner des Jahrgangs 1968, führt durch die geschichtsträchtige Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer – mitten hinein in die ehemalige Todeszone. Während des Spaziergangs vermittelt er eindrucksvoll das Gefühl der Unfreiheit, das viele Jugendliche Ende der 1980er-Jahre in Ostberlin verspürten.
IBZ Königsheide
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Since 2018, a small museum dedicated to this particular subject has been located on the historic site of what was once the largest children’s home in the GDR.
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Berliner Unterwelten e.V.
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Right next to the Bernauer Straße tunnel construction ‘hotspot’, we recount the fascinating history of Berlin’s escape tunnels and, as a highlight, offer a glimpse inside the only original escape tunnel from 1970-71.
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Führung durch das Stasimuseum mit der historischen Ministeretage und Blick in ausgewählte Beispielakten. Im Fokus stehen Frauen, die hauptamtlich oder inoffiziell für das Ministerium für Staatssicherheit tätig waren.
Gedenk- und Bildungsstätte Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Guided tour in German of our special garden exhibition “On the Roof of Himmler’s Guesthouse: The U.S. Army in Wannsee in 1945” with our curator Judith Alberth—free of charge, no registration required, everyone is welcome!
Sat, 7 Nov 14:00 – 20:00
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie.
Vor Ort
Other
In the center of the room stands a long, lavishly laid table. It evokes, all at once, a banquet table, family gatherings, and artistic installations.
–
asisi Panorama Berlin
Vor Ort
Guided tour
asisi Panorama Berlin invites visitors every day, as part of Berlin Freedom Week 2026, to a 20-minute guided tour that explores everyday life in divided Berlin and illustrates how freedom and lack of freedom oppression shaped people’s lives and why freedom remains essential for society.
Tränenpalast
Vor Ort
Guided tour
The exhibition at this historical site shows how the division of Germany and the construction of the Berlin Wall came about. It also explains how the customs and passport checkpoint functioned at the Tränenpalast.
Forum Willy Brandt Berlin
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Special guided tour focusing on Willy Brandt and German reunification for Berlin Freedom Week.
Humboldt Forum
Vor Ort
Keynote
In her lecture, Gabi Dolff-Bonekämper traces the history and significance of the Central Round Table and the Free People's Chamber regarding the democratic awakening in Berlin.
Theater im Palais Berlin
Vor Ort
Theater
In 1617, a wave of persecution began in Bernau, during which many innocent people were accused of witchcraft—a story in which narratives carry more weight than facts, and the powerful are always right!
BABYLON
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
The satirical Leichenoper, a 1990 film by the DFF, is a historical document of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Afterward, we’ll discuss the Song Opera together, its creation, and the role of art in politically challenging times.
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Berlin on Bike in der Kulturbrauerei
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Bike along the Berlin Wall: Experience emotionally moving escape stories, original Wall remains, and fascinating sites between Prenzlauer Berg and the government district – We bring history to life.
Gedenk- und Bildungsstätte Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
Conversation with granddaughter of Shoah victims and granddaughter of Nazi perpetrator after screening award-winning film “Transport from Paradise” (1962), based on the novella “Night and Hope” by Czech author Arnošt Lustig.
East Side Gallery
Vor Ort
Guided tour
An der East Side Gallery erzählen die mehr als 100 Mauerbilder aus dem Jahr 1990 von Hoffnung und Freude, aber auch von Sorgen und beunruhigenden Erfahrungen in der Umbruchzeit 1989/90. Im Rahmen der Tour werden einige Kunstwerke vorgestellt und in den Blick genommen, wie die Künstlerinnen und Künstler mehr als 35 Jahre nach dem Mauerfall auf die deutsche Einheit und die Transformation zurückschauen: Was hätten sie heute auf die Berliner Mauer gemalt? Sind die Botschaften noch aktuell?
Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Treptow
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Kritische Führung über das sowjetische Ehrenmal in Berlin-Treptow durch Memorial Deutschland.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Markus Wiehler, ein echter (Ost-)Berliner des Jahrgangs 1968, führt durch die geschichtsträchtige Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer – mitten hinein in die ehemalige Todeszone. Während des Spaziergangs vermittelt er eindrucksvoll das Gefühl der Unfreiheit, das viele Jugendliche Ende der 1980er-Jahre in Ostberlin verspürten.
Tränenpalast
Vor Ort
Guided tour
The exhibition at this historical site shows how the division of Germany and the construction of the Berlin Wall came about. It also explains how the customs and passport checkpoint functioned at the Tränenpalast.
Sun, 8 Nov 11:00 – 13:30
Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung
Vor Ort
Guided tour
"We are the people!": The videoBustour spans the arc from 1961 to the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. During the bus tour, historical film footage is shown at the original historical sites. In German.
Lernort Keibelstraße
Vor Ort
Guided tour
In the GDR, there was a remand centre run by the Ministry of the Interior on Alexanderplatz. Men and women were detained here for offences such as theft, alleged ‘anti-social behaviour’ or ‘illegal border crossing’.
Lernort Keibelstraße
Vor Ort
Guided tour
An exploration of two prisons in the heart of Berlin where, during the GDR era, people were incarcerated for various reasons. One is hidden inside an administrative building; the other has disappeared.
Wachturm im Park Schlesischer Busch, Puschkinallee 55
Vor Ort
Guided tour
At the border between the districts of Alt-Treptow, Neukölln and Kreuzberg, you can discover authentic traces and remains of the “Anti-Fascist Protection Wall” in the former death strip. Away from the well-known tourist routes. Not easy to find unless you know where to look... Discover history while it still exists! Tour in German.
Forum Willy Brandt Berlin
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Special guided tour focusing on Willy Brandt and German reunification for Berlin Freedom Week.
Glienicker Bridge
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Follow the traces of the former border: Where the Berlin Wall once separated Potsdam from West Berlin, Glienicke Bridge, Neuer Garten and the Bertini Narrows tell compelling stories of a divided Germany, escape attempts and Cold War spies.
Erinnerungsstätte Notaufnahmelager Marienfelde
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Die Tandem-Führung „Flucht damals und heute“ bringt verschiedene Perspektiven in den Dialog: den historischen Blick auf das Notaufnahmelager und einen aktuellen Blick auf den Wohnheimbetrieb heute.
Lernort Keibelstraße
Vor Ort
Guided tour
In the GDR, there was a remand centre run by the Ministry of the Interior on Alexanderplatz. Men and women were detained here for offences such as theft, alleged ‘anti-social behaviour’ or ‘illegal border crossing’.
Gedenkstätte Günter Litfin
Vor Ort
Other
Warum steht in der Kieler Straße ein Wachturm? Wie wurde er zu einer Gedenkstätte? Und wer war Günter Litfin? Kommen Sie mit diesen und vielen weiteren Fragen einfach vorbei. Unsere Live Speaker geben fachkundig Auskunft. Sie informieren über die Berliner Mauer oder kommen mit Ihnen zur Veränderung der Stadt nach dem Mauerfall ins Gespräch.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Die Bernauer Straße war einer der Kristallisationspunkte der deutschen Teilung. Hier kann die Bandbreite der Folgen des Mauerbaus exemplarisch aufgezeigt werden: Die Zerstörung von Stadtraum und Lebenswegen, die Trennung von Familienangehörigen und Freunden sowie die Versuche, die Mauer zu überwinden. Zur Berlin Freedom Week besteht die Möglichkeit, die Geschichte der Berliner Mauer im Rahmen einer kostenlosen türkischsprachigen Führung zu erkunden.
Sun, 8 Nov 15:00 – 16:00
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Bernauer Straße became a central site of the division of Germany. Here, the political, social, and human consequences of the construction of the Wall can be clearly illustrated.
Otto Weidt Museum for the Blind
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Guided tour on the history of the Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind. Starting in 1940, Weidt employed there primarily blind, visually impaired, or hearing-impaired Jews, whom he tried to protect from the Nazis.
Sun, 8 Nov 15:00 – 18:00
Polyrama - Museum für Lebensgeschichten
Vor Ort
Guided tour
What does freedom mean in everyday life? Curated life stories explore self-determination, migration, identity, resistance and participation through personal voices and experiences.
Museum in der Kulturbrauerei
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Discover more about the impressive photographs by “Stern” photographer Harald Schmitt as well as scene photographers Thomas Kalak and Helge Tscharn, and learn the stories behind the photographs and objects.
Theater im Palais Berlin
Vor Ort
Theater
The writer and women's rights activist Lina Morgenstern founded 30 charitable organizations, wrote several bestsellers, and launched the first newspaper by women for women as well as the first International Women's Congress in Germany.
Tränenpalast
Vor Ort
Guided tour
The exhibition at this historical site shows how the division of Germany and the construction of the Berlin Wall came about. It also explains how the customs and passport checkpoint functioned at the Tränenpalast.
Deutschlandmuseum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
In the immersive world of the Deutschlandmuseum, engaging guided tours illustrate how democracy and political participation have evolved throughout German history.
Zionskirche
Vor Ort
Discussion
Freedom for whom? In the 1980s until the Peaceful Revolution in the fall of 1989, churches in East Germany opened up spaces for opposition and protection. What does this heritage mean today? A discussion about church asylum, human rights and the responsibility of a free society.
Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile
Vor Ort
Theater
In "Reassembled," exiled Belarusian artists use poetry, dance, and art to make sense of life abroad and seek points of contact with anonymous colleagues remaining in Belarus amid fear and powerlessness under authoritarian rule.
GLS Campus Berlin
Vor Ort
Discussion
Can AI serve the justice system without jeopardizing freedom? Marco Buschmann, Alisha Andert, and Sina Dörr discuss how Berlin can become a model for liberal, human-rights-centered, and trustworthy AI in the justice system.
TBA
Vor Ort
Discussion
Finding Your Voice: “Die Freiheitsapotheke” is a short prologue of books and sentences that help people speak. “Borrowed Words” asks what remains ours when AI can write for us and how technology can help us find our own words.
Mon, 9 Nov 11:00 – 13:30
Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Live city bus tour with historical images and film footage. The November Revolution topples the monarchy and founds Germany's first democracy. Discover the original sites of the Weimar Republic on a city tour and experience moving, momentous history.
Mon, 9 Nov 11:00 – 18:00
Across from Deutscher Bundestag
Vor Ort
Exhibition
A photo exhibition honoring those killed by the Islamic Republic on 8 and 9 January, with a film screening and an open space for dialogue on human rights in Iran.
Mon, 9 Nov 12:00 – 13:00
Deutsches Historisches Museum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
A themed guided tour to mark 9 November in German history, as featured in the exhibition “Objects. History. Stories. Reviewing the Collection”
Mon, 9 Nov 12:00 – 19:00
Deutscher Bundestag
Vor Ort
Conference
The Freedom and Security Women Summit on November 9 at the German Bundestag is an initiative for women's rights, democratic resilience, and tangible political impact against authoritarianism.
Mon, 9 Nov 13:00 – 15:00
KiezLab
Vor Ort
Workshop
Democracy and human rights need sustainable funding. This workshop shows civil society organizations how to engage private donors, identify suitable sources of support and build lasting relationships with philanthropists.
Mon, 9 Nov 14:00 – 15:00
Deutsches Historisches Museum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
A themed guided tour to mark 9 November in German history, as featured in the exhibition “Objects. History. Stories. Reviewing the Collection”
Mon, 9 Nov 15:00 – 17:00
Embassy of Estonia
Vor Ort
Discussion
Disinformation, cyberattacks and other hybrid threats pose challenges to European democracies. German and European experts discuss how we can strengthen societal resilience.
Mon, 9 Nov 16:00 – 18:30
Berlin Global Village
Hybrid
Keynote
Drawing on my travels to Afghanistan between 2023 and 2025, I show how cities and public spaces are changing and how this affects the daily lives and living conditions of women.
Mon, 9 Nov 17:30 – 19:00
Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa
Vor Ort
Discussion
Women are affected by armed conflict in particular ways, and are key to lasting peace, yet rarely have a seat at the negotiating table. With Birgit Pickel (BMZ), we discuss how development policy can change that.
Mon, 9 Nov 18:00 – 20:00
Tränenpalast
Vor Ort
Theater
BEYOND LINES is a dance performance by LUNA PARK - in cooperation with the Tränenpalast, one of Berlin's most significant memorial sites. The performance explores the crossing of borders.
James-Simon-Galerie
Vor Ort
Discussion
Rio Reiser sings “Der Traum ist aus” in East Berlin, Katja Ebstein cycles through East Germany in front of the cameras, and in the West, East German painters exhibit their “Menschenbilder”: 40 years ago, the cultural agreement came into force. What impact did it have?
Mon, 9 Nov 18:00 – 20:00
Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften
Vor Ort
Discussion
In a joint statement, Brandenburg’s scientific community is taking a stand for the freedom, independence, and social responsibility of science.
Mon, 9 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
palisa.de Tagungs- und Veranstaltungszentrum
Hybrid
Discussion
Podium zur Frage, wie wir freiheitliche Demokratie und westliche Werte gegen autoritäre Angriffe von innen und außen verteidigen – mit Fokus auf Demokratiekompetenz, Pluralismus und Resilienz.
Mon, 9 Nov 18:55 – 20:30
Bösebrücke
Vor Ort
Other
On 9 November 1989, the barrier at Bornholmer Straße was the first Berlin border crossing to open. Julia Schneider, Member of the Bundestag for Pankow, invites everybody to share memories and celebrate the freedom won in the East.
Mon, 9 Nov 19:00 – 20:00
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie.
Vor Ort
Reading
“Writing Workers” – Reading · Performance · Music – It is about work and everyday life, conformity and self-assertion, quiet longings and plans. About a society that no longer exists. And about the people who lived, worked and wrote in that society.
Tue, 10 Nov 10:00 – 12:00
Interkultureller Garten (Intercultural Garden), SozDia Foundation Berlin
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
As part of Berlin Freedom Week, we are showing the short film "Azadi", created together with women from our language café and the local community. Afterwards, we will talk about freedom and change. Join us for a meaningful exchange!
Tue, 10 Nov 10:00 – 18:30
Filmtheater Colosseum
Vor Ort
Conference
The central conference of Berlin Freedom Week on November 10 will bring together powerful voices from international politics, business, civil society, culture, and the media to discuss new perspectives, alliances, and concrete joint responses to strengthen freedom and democracy worldwide.
Tue, 10 Nov 11:00 – 17:00
Publix
Vor Ort
Exhibition
Discover the stories of Azerbaijani journalists behind bars and write them a personal letter of solidarity. Your words can cross prison walls, reminding them that they are seen, remembered and not alone.
Tue, 10 Nov 12:15 – 13:00
online
Online
Discussion
Freedom needs commitment – and funding. How philanthropy can strengthen democracy, support independent initiatives and enable innovations such as factchecker.
Tue, 10 Nov 13:00 – 14:00
Deutsches Historisches Museum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Themed tour on the occasion of the memorial day of the November Pogroms of 1938 in the exhibition “Controversial Kinship. Colonial and National Socialist Violence”.
Tue, 10 Nov 13:00 – 18:00
Berliner Landeszentrale für politische Bildung
Vor Ort
Conference
How can political education effectively combat discrimination in the face of societal backlash? This half-day symposium will explore the tension between prevention and criticism, as well as the implications for structures and practice.
Tue, 10 Nov 15:00 – 16:00
ullstein bild
Vor Ort
Guided tour
The photographers and Ullstein Publishing have shaped the history of the Ullstein photographic collection. Their biographies were marked by a period of exile, and their works are regularly sought after as exhibits for relevant exhibitions.
Tue, 10 Nov 16:00 – 17:00
Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Guided tour through the current special exhibition on resistance in Ravensbrück Women's Concentration Camp. An exhibition by German Resistance Memorial Center in cooperation with the Ravensbrück Memorial Museum.
Tue, 10 Nov 17:00 – 18:30
Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Contemporary witness Christian König recounts his longing for freedom, his resistance to the SED dictatorship, his imprisonment by the Stasi, as well as the fall of the Berlin Wall and his life in freedom after German reunification.
Tue, 10 Nov 17:00 – 18:30
POTSDAM LAB in der Wissenschaftsetage
Vor Ort
Workshop
Wir arbeiten im Workshop an der Fragestellung "Was brauchen wir, um die Freiheit unserer Demokratie zu schützen? Design Thinking ist eine Methode, die schnell, kreativ und genau vorgeht und sich auf wesentliches konzentriert: Die Ausgangslage verstehen, Wünsche und Erfahrungswissen erfassen, Ideen sprudeln lassen, anschaulich machen. Ergebnisse sammeln und mitnehmen. Mit Spaß, Klarheit und Zielstrebigkeit.
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Guided tour
In der ehemaligen Stasi-Zentrale in Berlin-Lichtenberg können Gäste der Geschichte des Ortes nachspüren und mehr über die ehemalige DDR-Geheimpolizei erfahren. Im Rahmen der Führung „Frauen im Fokus der Staatssicherheit" lernen sie die Dauerausstellung zum Stasi-Unterlagen-Archiv kennen und können einen Blick in einen Archivraum mit den Originalunterlagen werfen. Exponate und Beispielakten zeigen, wie oppositionelle Frauen in den Fokus der Staatssicherheit gerieten und systematisch überwacht wurden.
Gedenkstätte Leistikowstraße Potsdam
Vor Ort
Guided tour
A tour of the travelling exhibition presents the stories of women who fell into the clutches of the Soviet secret services. It also addresses the harsh conditions to which female prisoners were subjected in prisons and camps.
Tue, 10 Nov 18:00 – 21:00
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Berlin
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
The Berlin screening of the documentary film "Kharkiv: A Chronicle of Survival", produced by the Warsaw-based Centre for Eastern Studies, aims to show the Berlin audience how Ukrainian cities are fighting for peace and freedom, and to demonstrate the enormous resilience of Kharkiv and its citizens. After the screening, a discussion with the filmmakers will explore the differences in everyday life in Ukrainian and EU cities in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Tue, 10 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
Konrad-Adenauer-Forum Berlin
Vor Ort
Discussion
The value of freedom was long the glue that held the United States and Europe together. Today, the understanding of freedom on both sides of the Atlantic is changing. What is freedom worth today? How will it be defended in the future?
Tue, 10 Nov 18:00 – 20:30
Dussmann Café - Restaurant Ursprung
Vor Ort
Reading
As part of Berlin Freedom Week, Laura Busche will read from her new book, “Für eine Emanze bist du ganz schön hübsch!” Then, Dr. Maren Jasper Winter and Dr. Heike Pantelmann will discuss key questions raised by the book with her.
Centrum Judaicum
Vor Ort
Discussion
Jews and Kurds are natural allies in an often-hostile Middle East. They are also bound by a deep friendship. We will explore and celebrate both through the stories of remarkable individuals.
Tue, 10 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
Gedenkbibliothek zu Ehren der Opfer des Kommunismus
Vor Ort
Keynote
Der Journalist und Historiker Jan Schönfelder schildert eine der waghalsigsten Fluchtversuche in der Geschichte der DDR. In den Hauptrollen: Ein westdeutscher Pilot, eine junge Frau auf der Flucht und sowjetische Kampfhubschrauber, die scharf schießen.
Tue, 10 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
Maecenata Stiftung
Hybrid
Discussion
How can freedom and solidarity be thought together in an open society? Marie Wachinger and Rupert Graf Strachwitz will discuss challenges, democratic resilience, and arguments for debate.
Tue, 10 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
TBD
Vor Ort
Discussion
For generations, women have been the defining force of Iran's freedom movement. Their resistance is no longer directed solely against state control over women's bodies and life choices, but against the Iranian regime's comprehensive apparatus of repression, which systematically suppresses freedom, selfdetermination and political participation.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
In "Die noch unbekannten Tage" nimmt uns Jola Wieczorek mit auf eine filmische Erinnerungsreise in die 1980er-Jahre. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Geschichte ihrer Familie und ihre Ausreise von Polen nach Österreich.
Zukunft MEMORIAL e.V.
Vor Ort
Discussion
Holocaust survivor Prof. Boris Sabarko and Memorial historian Prof. Irina Scherbakowa discuss experiences of dictatorship, remembrance, human rights, today’s Ukraine and Europe’s responsibility.
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie.
Vor Ort
Reading
Book Presentation, book sale and discussion with Dr. Teresa Tammer (Author) and Karin Dauenheimer (Eyewitness).
Literaturhaus Berlin
Vor Ort
Reading
The author in conversation with Milena Adam. The German text is read by Luis Huayna. The South is a story of what happens when private and public lives collide. It is the first in a quartet of novels that form Tash Aw’s masterful portrait of a family navigating a period of great change – a reimagined epic for our times.
Tue, 10 Nov 19:00 – 22:00
Stiftung Brandenburger Tor im Max Liebermann Haus
Vor Ort
Discussion
Panel discussion on the resilience of foundations in the face of political change. A collaboration between the Koepjohann Foundation, the Schering Stiftung and the Stiftung Brandenburger Tor.
Tue, 10 Nov 19:00 – 20:30
UQ-BAR-A-BA project space
Vor Ort
Exhibition
Contemporary Belarusian books document their time and preserve stories of everyday life, becoming archival testimonies for future interpretation. The book becomes not only a space of expression, but a bridge across geographies and time, connecting personal and family histories with the wider historical experience of Belarus.
Deutsches Spionagemuseum
Vor Ort
Discussion
The BND is being granted expanded operational powers to counter hybrid threats. The law raises the question of how much intelligence capability a robust democracy needs without undermining its own values.
Tue, 10 Nov 19:00 – 20:30
Berliner Unterwelten e.V.
Vor Ort
Keynote
In a talk followed by a discussion, Klaus-M. v. Keussler recounts his experiences as an escape helper. Together with his friend Wolfgang Fuchs and other friends, he carried out some spectacular escape operations.
Tue, 10 Nov 19:30 – 22:00
Reforum Space Berlin
Vor Ort
Keynote
Lawyer Vladimir Zhbankov, coordinator of “Poshuk. Polon” (“Search. Captivity”), presents his team's work searching for missing people and those held in Russian captivity, and discusses how families can seek information.
Tue, 10 Nov 19:30 – 22:30
PANDA platforma
Vor Ort
Reading
At PANDAwomen, a festival of women in arts and culture, Kyiv-born writer Katja Petrowskaja talks with Sveta Müller about her books, photographs as witnesses to history and the war against Ukraine.
Wed, 11 Nov 09:00 – 23:59
Colosseum Berlin
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
Documentaries about the courage to be free, such as Hope Is a Word, Our Colors Never Fade and Killing Anna. Selected by international juries, presented with Berlin organisations, each followed by a talk.
Wed, 11 Nov 11:00 – 12:00
Studio Jablonski
Vor Ort
Discussion
A moderated panel examining China’s state-imposed forced labor, its impact on global supply chains, and the challenges of protecting human rights and democratic values in a global economy.
Wed, 11 Nov 15:00 – 18:00
Polyrama - Museum für Lebensgeschichten
Vor Ort
Guided tour
What does freedom mean in everyday life? Curated life stories explore self-determination, migration, identity, resistance and participation through personal voices and experiences.
Wed, 11 Nov 16:00 – 17:30
Kohl Salon
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Explore Berlin’s government district on a guided tour, from Brandenburg Gate to the Reichstag and on to the Federal Chancellery. Discover how Berlin became Germany’s political centre and learn about Helmut Kohl’s role in reunification.
Wed, 11 Nov 16:30 – 19:00
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Workshop
Seminar zur Entstehung des Stasi-Unterlagen-Gesetzes, das bis heute weltweit Modellcharakter besitzt, mit Blick in das Originalarchiv und Quellenarbeit.
Wed, 11 Nov 17:00 – 18:00
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Führung durch die Ausstellung "Einblick ins Geheime" mit Blick in das Archiv und in ausgewählte Beispielakten. Im Fokus stehen Frauen, die hauptamtlich oder inoffiziell für das Ministerium für Staatssicherheit tätig waren, darunter auch Marie Torhorst.
Wed, 11 Nov 17:00 – 18:00
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Nell’Archivio dei documenti della Stasi sono conservati 111 chilometri lineari di fascicoli, che contengono in molti casi dati personali raccolti dalla Sicurezza di Stato. La mostra «sguardo nel segreto» permette di comprendere l’importanza di questo archivio.
Wed, 11 Nov 18:00 – 20:00
Amerika Gedenkbibliothek - PopUp Saal
Vor Ort
Discussion
Around one million Berliners cannot vote.. How can political participation work in a diverse city – and how must our democracy change so that more voices are heard and represented?
Wed, 11 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand
Vor Ort
Keynote
Lecture by the historian Dr. Nicolas Moll on the representation of rescues and resistance during the Shoah in feature films from the 1940s to the present day.
Wed, 11 Nov 18:00 – 20:00
Berlin-Brandenburgischen Akademie der Wissenschaften
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
The screening features rarely seen historical footage from the collections of the Berlin State Archives, recognised as part of the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. Historical commentary and a panel discussion will follow.
Wed, 11 Nov 18:00 – 21:00
Axel Springer Neubau
Vor Ort
Keynote
Marking the German publication of the Dinah Project’s report on sexual violence during and following the October 7 attacks, international experts discuss sexual violence as a weapon of terror and war, trauma, denial and justice.
Wed, 11 Nov 18:30 – 21:00
Pilecki-Institut
Vor Ort
Discussion
Repression, financial pressure and propaganda have pushed Georgia's independent media to the brink. Journalists and commentators from Georgia share how they keep reporting under the most difficult conditions.
Wed, 11 Nov 18:30 – 20:30
European House
Vor Ort
Discussion
More than 30 years after the Dayton Agreement, peace in the Western Balkans faces renewed challenges. What lies ahead for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and what responsibility does the European Union bear?
Wed, 11 Nov 19:00 – 20:30
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Theater
“Frau Minister” follows the biography of Dr. Marie Torhorst and explores women in positions of power in East and West Germany.
Wed, 11 Nov 19:30 – 22:00
Reforum Space Berlin
Vor Ort
Discussion
A mark on a ballot – but what does it decide? Together, we compare the 2026 parliamentary elections in Berlin and Russia and explore when casting a vote gives people a real political choice.
Robert-Havemann-Gesellschaft e. V.
Vor Ort
Discussion
Forty years after the Environmental Library was founded, the evening connects the experiences of the East German opposition with today’s freedom movements: samizdat, counterpublics, repression and the struggle for free information.
Thu, 12 Nov 08:00 – 09:00
Paul-Löbe Haus, Deutscher Bundestag
Vor Ort
Discussion
Parliamentary breakfast in the Bundestag: how Beijing uses Hong Kong for sanctions evasion and transnational repression against the diaspora in Europe.
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Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Simón-Bolívar-Saal
Hybrid
Conference
Focus on Taiwan: Join international guests to discuss democracy, security, economic relations and societal resilience – and explore new perspectives on German-Taiwanese dialogue and cooperation.
Cinema Paris
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
School screening for high school classes starting grade 10. After the film the protagonist, Dr. Peter Keup, will be available to answer the students’ questions.
Thu, 12 Nov 15:00 – 16:00
Deutsches Historisches Museum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Themed tour in the exhibition 'Objects. History. Stories. Reviewing the collection'
Thu, 12 Nov 16:00 – 18:00
Embassy of Canada in Germany
Vor Ort
Discussion
This event will feature the presentation of ARD journalist and former Kyiv correspondent Birgit Virnich's book, "Life, Despite Everything: Courage, Humanity, and the Strength of Women in Ukraine", followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A. The discussion will bring together Birgit Virnich, Victoria Bandurko, one of the women featured in the book, and Canadian historian Andrew Fesiak as moderator. The program will also include a brief video message from renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood, reflecting on the importance of supporting Ukraine and the critical role women have played throughout the war.
Thu, 12 Nov 16:00 – 18:00
Taipei Representative Office in Germany
Vor Ort
Discussion
Uyghur Rights Beyond China's Borders: Transnational Repression in the Shadow of the Ethnic Unity Law
China’s new Ethnic Unity Law raises urgent questions for Uyghurs abroad. The roundtable examines China’s transnational repression and what it means for fundamental freedoms in Germany.
Thu, 12 Nov 17:00 – 22:00
Markthalle Neun
Vor Ort
Other
As part of Freedom Week Berlin, the Taipei Representative Office in the Federal Republic of Germany is bringing the lively atmosphere and unique culinary diversity of Taiwanese night markets to Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg.
Thu, 12 Nov 17:00 – 18:00
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Guided tour
The Stasi Records Archive contains 111 kilometres of files, many of which contain personal data collected by the State Security. The exhibition “Access to Secrecy” vividly conveys the significance of this archive.
Thu, 12 Nov 17:30 – 18:30
PANDA platforma
Vor Ort
Discussion
Cultural organisers Mahide Lein and Sveta Müller invite women to a discussion at the PANDAwomen festival about invisible work, pay and burnout in the arts. Who supports those who keep the cultural scene running?
Thu, 12 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur
Hybrid
Discussion
The event focuses on the Four Power Agreement on Berlin, concluded in 1971, and the greater freedom of travel it brought to (West) Berliners. Eyewitnesses and experts will share their perspectives in a panel discussion.
Thu, 12 Nov 18:00 – 20:30
Dussmann Café - Restaurant Ursprung
Vor Ort
Reading
Dr. Necla Kelek reads from her new book, “Glückskind,” and talks with Linda Teuteberg about what it takes for the promise of freedom in an open society to become lived freedom, self-determination, and genuine participation.
Thu, 12 Nov 18:00 – 19:30
Gedenkstätte Leistikowstraße Potsdam
Online
Guided tour
A live virtual tour takes you through the permanent exhibition in the Soviet prison building, which has been preserved almost entirely in its original state. The focus is on the fates of the prisoners and the harsh conditions of their imprisonment.
Thu, 12 Nov 18:30 – 21:30
Schloss Schönhausen
Vor Ort
Reading
Reading with Tania Arcimovich (Belarus), Karima Shabrang (Afghanistan) and Fariba Vafi (Iran). Three women writers living in exile explore Schloss Schönhausen (Schönhausen House) and its history during the Nazi era through their literary work.
Humboldt Forum
Vor Ort
Discussion
Did we miss an opportunity for democratic renewal in 1989–90? How can we draw on the legacy of the Peaceful Revolution to address today’s threats to democracy and freedom? Together with experts, we want to discuss these questions.
Thu, 12 Nov 18:30 – 20:00
Hotel Pestana Berlin
Vor Ort
Discussion
The Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad is one of the world's leading voices for freedom and women's rights. In this conversation, she reflects on her struggle against oppression and on the future of democratic movements.
Polyrama - Museum für Lebensgeschichten
Vor Ort
Keynote
Life Stories Live with Faravaz Farvardin: The singer and activist shares her life story, her music and her journey towards freedom and singing freely as an Iranian woman.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Vor Ort
Reading
Anlässlich des 50. Jahrestages seiner Ausbürgerung und seines 90. Geburtstag gibt der mit dem Liedermacher Wolf Biermann befreundete Historiker Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk Auszüge aus dessen umfangreichen Tagebüchern heraus. In der Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer stellt er das Buch vor.
Flughafen Tempelhof
Vor Ort
Reading
Irene Bindel reads from her book *Wassermilch und Spitzenwein*. In her book, she recounts her childhood as the daughter of a Jewish father, her experiences of persecution, and her new beginning in Berlin after 1945.
Thu, 12 Nov 19:00 – 21:00
Museum für Kommunikation Berlin
Vor Ort
Discussion
Ahmad Mansour speaks about Islamist radicalization on social media, presents his new book »Haltung ohne Hass« (»Resolve Without Hatred«) and discusses with science author Jürgen Neffe and the audience what kind of prevention actually reaches young people. Registration is open until 10 November.
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Exilmuseum
Vor Ort
Theater
When Christopher-Felix Hahn’s grandmother moves into a care home, she leaves him a vase – supposedly something she found in the woods, lost by refugees in 1945. However, further investigation reveals a different story.
Thu, 12 Nov 19:00 – 20:30
Berliner Unterwelten e.V.
Vor Ort
Keynote
One of the most successful escape facilitators, Burkhart Veigel, will give a talk followed by a discussion about his activities at the Berlin Wall.
Thu, 12 Nov 19:00 – 21:00
Gedenkort Berliner Frauengefängnis Barnimstraße / Gelände der Verkehrsschule Friedrichshain
Vor Ort
Reading
Editor Dr Geertje Andresen presents the book. Claudia von Gélieu speaks about the birth of Hans Coppi Jr. in Berlin’s women’s prison. Actress Ruth Reinecke reads letters written by his parents, who were members of the resistance.
Thu, 12 Nov 19:30 – 22:30
PANDA platforma
Vor Ort
Exhibition
Berlin-based artist Marina Koldobskaya opens “Expats” at PANDAwomen, a festival of women in arts and culture. Her portraits tell of people in Berlin whose lives are shaped by war, migration and everyday struggles.
Thu, 12 Nov 19:30 – 22:00
Reforum Space Berlin
Vor Ort
Discussion
Political persecution can cross borders. Experts and people affected explain how transnational repression works, how it changes life in exile and what protection people in Germany need.
Fri, 13 Nov 09:30 – 11:30
TAZ Kantine
Vor Ort
Discussion
Together with human rights defenders and members of Berlin’s House of Representatives, we want to discuss responsibility, purpose and benefits of supporting human rights defenders in Berlin and around the world.
Cinema Paris
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
School screening for classes from grades 4-6. After the film the screenwriter and director Markus Dietrich and the historian Dr. Andrea Bahr will be available to answer the students’ questions.
Institute for Leadership Development
Vor Ort
Workshop
This workshop aims to support a selected group of political activists for free who fight for freedom and democracy and help them evaluate and improve their negotiation competencies.
Fri, 13 Nov 15:00 – 17:30
Institute for Leadership Development
Vor Ort
Workshop
Imagine: What if the citizens of the world elected a global parliament in free and fair elections (as far as possible)? How powerful would this institution be? How should it be organized? What would it discuss and decide and what would happen after its decisions? How would it interact with existing institutions?
Fri, 13 Nov 15:00 – 16:30
Gedenkstätte Lindenstraße
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Special guided tour of the Lindenstraße Memorial and the current special exhibition “Life After Prison”, followed by a conversation with eyewitness Bernd Richter in commemoration of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989–90.
Fri, 13 Nov 16:00 – 17:00
Deutsches Historisches Museum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
A themed guided tour to mark 9 November in German history, as featured in the exhibition “Objects. History. Stories. Reviewing the Collection”. In English.
Fri, 13 Nov 17:00 – 20:00
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Filmscreening
This compelling documentary sheds light on the fates of former political prisoners of the GDR, followed by a moderated panel discussion with the filmmakers and contemorary witnesses.
Fri, 13 Nov 17:00 – 18:30
Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Contemporary witness Christian König recounts his longing for freedom, his resistance to the SED dictatorship, his imprisonment by the Stasi, as well as the fall of the Berlin Wall and his life in freedom after German reunification.
Deutschlandmuseum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
In the immersive world of the Deutschlandmuseum, engaging guided tours illustrate how democracy and political participation have evolved throughout German history.
Fri, 13 Nov 18:00 – 20:00
DDR Museum
Vor Ort
Reading
Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk presents Wolf Biermann’s diaries for the first time. The volume *Ihr löscht das Feuer mit Benzin** offers a glimpse into the mind of an unyielding critic of the GDR.
Fri, 13 Nov 18:00 – 21:00
Westin Grand Hotel
Vor Ort
Discussion
How can human rights, democracy and multilateralism be defended in an increasingly autocratic world? A panel discussion on the credibility, reform and future of the United Nations.
Fri, 13 Nov 18:00 – 22:00
SozDia Foundation Berlin at ZK/U Berlin
Vor Ort
Concert
Sing for Hope and the SozDia Foundation Berlin: Young people raise their voices to present an evening of music and creative performances. Free admission. For hope, diversity and solidarity.
Fri, 13 Nov 18:30 – 21:30
Reforum Space Berlin
Vor Ort
Workshop
Write to political prisoners in Russia while children aged 6–12 explore their stories through theatre and drawing in a separate room. Everyone is welcome to join the letter writing, in any language.
Polyrama - Museum für Lebensgeschichten
Vor Ort
Other
Freedom Edition of the Polyrama Storytelling Game in English: meet others, share personal life experiences, listen to one another and connect through stories in a playful setting.
Fri, 13 Nov 20:00 – 21:20
Hotel Continental - Art Space in Exile
Vor Ort
Concert
Sveta Ben and .K are Belarusian artists whose songs tell of home and exile, loneliness and hope, as well as the universal experience of living in a world that has suddenly become unfamiliar.
Fri, 13 Nov 20:30 – 23:00
PANDA platforma
Vor Ort
Concert
Two sets at the PANDAwomen festival: Estonian flute duo Kuula Hetke improvises with voice and electronics. Berlin women’s vocal ensemble Perperúna reinterprets polyphonic songs from the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
Sat, 14 Nov 10:00 – 12:30
Berliner Unterwelten e.V.
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Near the Bernauer Straße tunnel construction hotspot, we recount the fascinating history of Berlin’s escape tunnels. Afterwards, eyewitness Joachim Neumann talks about ‘his’ tunnel-building projects.
Sat, 14 Nov 11:00 – 12:30
Stasi-Zentrale. Campus für Demokratie
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Im Stasi-Unterlagen-Archiv lagern 111 Kilometer Akten, in denen vielfach persönliche Daten gespeichert sind - gesammelt von der Staatssicherheit. Die Ausstellung „Einblick ins Geheime" macht die Bedeutung des Archivs begreifbar.
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Führung für Familien mit Kindern zwischen 8 und 12 Jahren. Gemeinsam suchen wir in der Bernauer Straße nach kleinen und großen Spuren der Berliner Mauer. Wir finden heraus, warum es gerade hier eine Gedenkstätte gibt und was ihre Aufgabe ist. Dabei stellen wir wichtige Fragen: Warum wurde überhaupt eine Mauer gebaut? Wie hat sie das Leben der Menschen verändert? Und wie haben Familien die Teilung erlebt? Außerdem sprechen wir darüber, wer die Mauer eigentlich zu Fall gebracht hat.
Sat, 14 Nov 13:30 – 14:30
Gedenkstätte Leistikowstraße Potsdam
Vor Ort
Guided tour
A guided tour reveals traces and architectural remains of the ‘Forbidden City’, which was sealed off for almost 50 years. The Soviet counter-intelligence service maintained its German headquarters here, with a remand centre at its heart.
Sat, 14 Nov 14:00 – 15:00
Deutsches Historisches Museum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Themed tour in the exhibition 'Objects. History. Stories. Reviewing the collection'
Sat, 14 Nov 14:00 – 16:00
Gedenkort Berliner Frauengefängnis Barnimstraße
Vor Ort
Guided tour
At the site of the former Berlin women’s prison, a 90-minute audio walk (German only) commemorates women persecuted for political reasons – featuring voices of contemporary witnesses and historical sources.
Sat, 14 Nov 15:00 – 18:00
Polyrama - Museum für Lebensgeschichten
Vor Ort
Guided tour
What does freedom mean in everyday life? Curated life stories explore self-determination, migration, identity, resistance and participation through personal voices and experiences.
Sat, 14 Nov 15:00 – 16:00
Konrad-Adenauer-Forum Berlin
Vor Ort
Guided tour
In this guided tour, we will explore Adenauer’s Cold War decisions and examine how his policy of aligning West Germany with Western democracies shaped democracy in the Federal Republic.
Forum Willy Brandt Berlin
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Special guided tour focusing on Willy Brandt and German reunification for Berlin Freedom Week.
Sat, 14 Nov 16:00 – 17:00
Deutsches Historisches Museum
Vor Ort
Guided tour
Themed tour on the occasion of the memorial day of the November Pogroms of 1938 in the exhibition “Controversial Kinship. Colonial and National Socialist Violence”.
Sat, 14 Nov 16:00 – 22:30
CABUWAZI Tempelhof
Vor Ort
Other
The FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT Festival – a stage for freedom of movement, migration, and arrival – is back! The festival takes place on Saturday, Nov 14, at CABUWAZI Tempelhof as part of „La Nut du Cîrque“.
Sat, 14 Nov 19:00 – 20:00
Gedenkbibliothek zu Ehren der Opfer des Kommunismus
Vor Ort
Theater
Das Stück von Regisseurin Nicole Heinrich inszenierte dokumentarische Theaterstück handelt, entlang der Erinnerungen der historischen Inoffiziellen Stasi-Mitarbeiterin Monika Haeger vom dunkelsten Teil ostdeutscher Geschichte.
