Berlin’s haunting classroom exhibit exposes war’s toll on Ukrainian children

Step inside a glass-walled classroom frozen in war. This UNICEF exhibit forces Berliners to confront the stolen childhoods of Ukraine’s schoolchildren.

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2025 December 18 . 3:01 PM

1 min read

In the picture we can see some school children are standing on the path with school uniforms and... — In the picture we can see some school children are standing on the path with school uniforms and they are holding some papers in their hands and one girl is talking something near the microphone which is to the stand and behind them we can see a fencing wall and to the top of it we can see a shed with some balloons top it.

Berlin’s haunting classroom exhibit exposes war’s toll on Ukrainian children

A striking exhibition at Berlin’s Alexanderplatz U-Bahn station is drawing attention to the daily struggles of Ukrainian schoolchildren living through conflict. Organised by UNICEF, the display recreates a classroom behind glass, filled with familiar items like desks, notebooks and lunchboxes—all set against the backdrop of war. The installation aims to raise awareness and encourage donations for those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a glass-walled classroom, complete with a chalkboard bearing the words 'Learning in War' in both Ukrainian and German. Messages like 'It’s not their war. But it’s their class life' and 'Childhood needs peace' are written on the enclosure, prompting reactions from passersby. Some stop to examine the display closely, while others walk past without a glance.

The exhibition remains on view at Alexanderplatz, serving as a visible reminder of the war’s impact on Ukraine’s youngest generation. While opinions vary—from curiosity to scepticism—it has succeeded in sparking dialogue among Berliners. UNICEF’s call for donations underscores the ongoing need for support as the conflict drags on.