Battle of Berlin

One room in the German-Russian Museum is fully dedicated to the Battle of Berlin. In addition to the visual impact of this mural, there are sounds of guns firing and people crying out; it really had quite an impact on me. For more murals, visit Monday Mural.

Capitulation room

This is the main draw of the German-Russian Museum - the room where WWII was officially ended on 8 May 1945 when German forces signed the unconditional surrender. In attendance were representatives for the Allied forces - Marshal Georgy Zhukov on behalf of the Soviet Union, Air Chief Marshal Arthur William Tedder for the United Kingdom, General Carl Spaatz for the United States and General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny for France. 

There is a copy of the document on display in the museum. It is said that Eisenhower found the idea of a "capitulation ceremony" distasteful and therefore sent General Carl Spaatz to be the witness for the United States.

PS: Happy Halloween! I wonder if we'll have any kiddies trick-or-treating tonight.

Chandelier

It always pays to look up! I'll show you the entirety of this room at the German-Russian Museum tomorrow. Until then, hope you like this detail in black and white.

From outside

Here's a look at the German-Russian Museum from outside. Although the sign is very big, this museum is actually in a very residential area and many people probably miss it. It's Wednesday again and you'll find more signs at Signs, Signs.

Tank and benches

I find this whole set-up slightly odd. Perhaps the Soviets had some extra tanks left over after the war that they didn't want to take home - so they decided to build this memorial in the gardens of the German-Russian Museum? For more old stuff, take a look at Rubbish Tuesday.

The Treptower Hero

I found this work inside the German Russian Museum in Berlin; it is modeled after the Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park. I don't know where this stained glass window was originally installed, but I find it interesting how each side has their own view on the events after WWII ended. Most accounts agree that the Soviets were quite brutal to the Germans who remained in Berlin when they "freed" the city at the end of the war. I guess it's up to us now as to which side we want to believe.

Here is the description from the museum:

Stained Glass Picture showing the Treptow Hero (1977-78)

Artisit Jurij Nesterenko

This picture from the Soviet Surrender Museum symbolizes friendship between East Germany and the Soviet Union. The statue at the Soviet Memorial in Treptow is said to be based on an actual occurrence and features the rescue of a German child by a Soviet soldier during the Battle of Berlin to illustrate the liberation of the German people from Naziism.

Hope your week is off to a great start! For more murals, visit Monday Mural.