The exhibition follows the chronology of the demarcation, division and reunification of the two German states between 1945 and 1990. With reference to the region of the Südharz, the significant cornerstones of the division are presented on display panels, with exhibits, in dioramas and in multimedia steles. The exhibition content is also offered digitally, all you need is a mobile phone with a QR scanner.
Exhibition section A: 1945
The end of the war in 1945 in the southern Harz region and the division of Germany begins in the rubble of destroyed towns and landscapes.
Exhibition Section B: 1945 - 1961
The exchange of territories in July 1945 and border commuting shape the post-war period.
In 1952, the GDR introduced a police order to close the border.
As a result, militarily trained police units are tasked with securing the border.
Exhibition Section C: Escape in the Southern Harz Region
Statistics and special escape attempts in the region of the Südharz between 1949 and 1989.
Exhibition Section D: 1961 - 1989
Securing the border with barbed wire, mine barriers and automatic firing systems. The "Green Border" was hermetically sealed off.
From 1980 until the end of the GDR, border security with modern signal fences increasingly shifted to the backcountry.
Exhibition Section E: 1989 - 1990
Opening of the border in 1989 and the demolition of the border security elements. Peaceful reunification of Germany in 1990.
Exhibition Section F: Special Exhibitions
In changing special exhibitions, we focus on particular aspects of the general theme of our museum.
A special feature here is the cooperation with authorities, archives, educational institutions and other institutions from the region of the southern Harz and the surrounding area in the
development and presentation of the themes.
Special exhibition 60 Years of the Berlin Wall
"Nobody has the intention to build a wall!"
One of the greatest political lies of modern times gives its name to the new special exhibition at the Grenzlandmuseum Bad Sachsa. Adapted images and texts by the Stiftung Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur (Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship) illustrate how different Walter Ulbricht's statement is from the reality of the actual construction of the Wall in Berlin from 13 August 1961. In the installation of the Grenzlandmuseum, selected aspects of the effects of the construction of the Wall are supplemented by the presentation of eastern and western film reports. Insights" from different locations and perspectives open up to the viewer.