Around four million people left the GDR for West Germany between 1949 and 1990. 1.35 million of them passed through the Refugee Center in Berlin-Marienfelde (Notaufnahmelager Marienfelde), which was founded in 1953. Here, with the help of German and Allied agencies, they were taken in, looked after and passed on to the federal states.

Today, the exhibition "Flight in Divided Germany" commemorates this important chapter of German history and the individual life stories.

On around 450 square meters and with over 900 exhibits, the causes, course and consequences of the flight can be explored: Why did individuals decide to leave their homes in the GDR? How did they cross the border and how were they received in the "Golden West"?

In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are regular special exhibitions and a varied program of events and educational activities.