The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history – at least that’s what Hegel once said. If you need convincing that the philosopher was wrong, you’ll find ample evidence at the Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion, Reconciliation near Potsdamer Platz. This exhibition space on 20th and 21st century forced migrations is living proof that we can, when we put our minds to it, draw lessons from the past. In case you aren’t looking to make a philosophical point but just want a fun and good day out, may we recommend the Centre’s open day next Sunday (23.06.2024) where rap workshops, guided tours, VR experiences and other cool things await. The packed program – free to attend – has been curated in partnership with the United Nations Refugee Agency and incorporates the Centre’s 1500 square meter permanent exhibit of objects, documents and photographs covering the migrations of the first and second world wars plus more recent upheavals like Rwanda and Bosnia in the 1990s and Syria today. Special open day tours of the collection include “Strong and Vulnerable – Women in Displacement” and “Moving Images – Photographs of Displacement and Expulsion”. Younger visitors are also catered for, with kids guided walkarounds and workshops like “Body Percussion” and “Rap connects!”, register at gruppen@f-v-v.de). Once you’ve had your fill of fun, head down to the Centre‘s foyer where restaurant Kreuzberger Himmel will be serving up Arabic goodies. Check out the full program and start unearthing the many lessons from history – the unprecedented times that we are living through require nothing less…
Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Juliane Eichler, Markus Gröteke / SFVV
Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion, Reconciliation, Stresemannstr.90, 10963 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
The Open Day takes place 23.06.2024, 11–18h30 (no ticket required)
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