Fragments of the Berlin Wall in Singapore
Of course, the Berlin Wall is in Berlin, but if you didn’t know, there’s no need to travel to Germany to experience history. That’s right, we’ve got pieces of the Berlin Wall right here in SG, specifically at the National University of Singapore (NUS). What’s more, this is not the first time the Berlin Wall has been erected in Singapore.
What is the Berlin Wall?
Berlin Wall, Niederkirchnerstraße, 1988.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 by the German Democratic Republic (GDR) government as a physical barrier that divided East and West Berlin. It was secured with barbed wire and mines to prevent border crossings to the democratic West Berlin. The speed at which it went up meant that families and friends were separated overnight, with many reuniting only after the wall was torn down in November 1989.
Image credit: Stiftung Berliner Mauer, Detlef Gallinge
When that moment came, citizens actually chipped away at the wall with their own hands, using a variety of tools to hack away at the concrete. Today, some pieces of the wall remain in Berlin, but many can be found in more than 100 memorials all around the world, including the Vatican City, South Korea, and much closer to home, Singapore.
Berlin Wall in NUS that’s still there for viewing
Unveiling of the Berlin Wall in NUS in 2016.
Image credit: Vivian Balakrishnan via Facebook
2 pieces of the Berlin Wall were unveiled on 18th October 2016 at the Tembusu College in NUS University Town. With each fragment of the Berlin Wall weighing approximately 4 tonnes, the 3.6m tall structures are a sight to behold.
Image adapted from: Svitlana Volochai via Google Maps
However, these aren’t just cool photo ops for history buffs. The wall segments are also representative of Singapore’s ties with Germany. They were gifted by Mr Elmar Prost and his company, Lagerhaus KW GmbH, to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 countries. The segments have been on loan to NUS since and are available to view for free.
You can find them directly opposite the Tembusu College drop-off point. Be prepared for a climb though, as the segments are located at the top of a slope.
There used to be the Berlin Wall at Bedok Reservoir Park too
Image credit: choo chin nian via flickr
Some of you might be thinking that these segments at NUS aren’t the first to grace our shores. And you’re right. Back in the day, there were 4 panels from the actual Berlin Wall at Bedok Reservoir Park.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the panels were loaned to Singapore by Robert and Meili Hefner and unveiled to the public on 10th January 2010. The display was located in the sculpture garden area of the park and housed in a 1,400sqm glass enclosure in the eastern part of Bedok Reservoir Park.
What made these panels extra interesting was the artwork on them. German artist Dennis Khan, who wanted to reflect a divided Germany under capitalism and communism during the Cold War, painted graffiti over the surfaces. The side that once faced West Berlin was splashed with bright colours, including murals depicting a bright and joyful king to represent freedom. On the other end, a colourless, blindfolded king is painted to reflect oblivion to the wishes of his people. The other side of the wall, which used to face East Berlin, was left bare.
The panels were exhibited in the park for 3 years before being returned to the couple in April 2013.
Pieces of the Berlin Wall hidden within NUS
Image credit: National University of Singapore
The Berlin Wall is more than just concrete; it is a historical relic that once symbolised the division of a nation. View the only 2 panels currently in Singapore at the National University of Singapore, and maybe take a moment to reflect on how far things have come since.
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Cover image adapted from: 阿宇 via Google Maps