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  • Gasometer
    The Triple Colosseum of Prenzlauer Berg

    When the decision to build Ernst Thälmann Park was made in 1981, things were starting to simmer in the capital of the GDR. Resistance developed against the planned demolition of the former gasworks.

  • Noble Prefabs
    In July 1984, the first tenants moved into the Thälmann-Park

    Hardy Krause was one of the very first residents of Ernst Thälmann Park. As a passionate amateur photographer, he sneaked onto the construction site, photographed excavators and trenches.

  • Evermore
    A lyrical interlude

    Helplessness rubs along the surface. Dark foreboding. The snow alone makes the monument look fresh, perhaps even friendly for a moment.

  • The coal palm
    Vineyards – gasworks – Thälmannpark

    Short detour to the actual industrial age. The history of the “IV Berlin Gas Facility” in the district of Prenzlauer Berg, where vineyards and windmills had once stood.

  • Flake
    Growing up and everyday life in Prenzlauer Berg

    Black snow in summer. Seen through a child’s eyes, it’s just as beautiful falling from the sky as the white flakes in winter. The black snow was emitted by the gasworks.

  • I spy with my little eye
    In 1986 the monument is unveiled

    Inauguration of Ernst Thälmann Park. Hands are raised in greeting in the square and on the balconies of the new high-rise buildings. An army of little waving cats; though none look very jolly or cheerful.

  • Prologue

    Prologue

    The wrecking balls had grown weary. After the fall of the Wall, they had razed so many heroes of socialism. In 1993, Thälmann was due to be removed as well.