New Exhibition Exposes How East Germany's Ruling Party Controlled Everyday Life
A new travelling exhibition is shining a light on the influence of East Germany's ruling party in daily life. Titled The Party Is Always Right, the display focuses on how the Socialist Unity Party (SED) shaped the GDR beyond politics. Organisers warn against forgetting the realities of dictatorship as public interest wanes.
The Federal Foundation for the Study of Communist Dictatorship in East Germany has developed the exhibition to counter misconceptions. It uses informational panels to show how the SED, with 2.3 million members, controlled not just government but workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods. The party's reach extended into private lives, leaving little space for independence.
The foundation stresses that the exhibition is not just about history. It aims to challenge the idea of an idyllic GDR separate from its dictatorship. By drawing lessons for today, it also addresses growing fatigue around the topic and rising disinformation.
Demand for the exhibition has been strong. Around 130 institutions—from schools and libraries to town halls—have already placed orders. The panels can be borrowed at little to no cost, making them widely accessible.
The exhibition will tour Germany in the coming months. Its organisers hope to spark discussions about the SED's lasting impact on society. With free or low-cost access, they aim to reach audiences who may have limited knowledge of life under the GDR's one-party rule.
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