- Prager Strasse - Prager Strasse was one of the main focal points of the spatial planning of the GDR regime and contains many architectural monuments from the time. We will see the famous three Interhotels Prager Strasse, the Interhotel Newa, as well as the enormous and iconic Prager Zeile
- Cineplex Rundkino Dresden - Here travellers will see the legendary Rundkino (round theatre) and learn about its architectural and social history.
- Pusteblumenbrunnen - While the number of dandelions has been reduced from five to three, this was yet another important spatial design feature of the GDR regime in Dresden and travellers will be able to get up close and learn more about it.
- Kulturpalast Dresden - Sitting proudly on the Altmarkt square, the famous Kulturpalast was the cultural temple of the GDR regime in Dresden and travellers will have the chance to learn about its architectural and social history as well as to see the communist artwork that bedecks its exterior and interior aspects.
- Denkraum Sophienkirche - Here travellers will learn of one of the lamentable aspects of the GDR development of Dresden, namely, the demolition of the ruins of the famous Sophienkirche and the building of a giant cafeteria in its place.
- Theaterplatz - Here we will be able to take in the magnificent architectural surroundings and assess them in terms of the efforts of the GDR. We will see which buildings were reconstructed by the GDR, which were demolished, and which were simply ignored.
- Golden Rider - From this iconic statue of August the Strong we are able to survey perhaps the most significant urban planning project of the GDR in Dresden, namely, the Neustadter Markt. This was highly significant for creating prefabricated housing in a historic precinct and also sought to factor in a variety of artistic and lifestyle features typical of communist design.
- Professional Guided Tour
- Entrance to Kulturpalast auditorium (tickets cost 8 euro)
Join New Zealand anthropologist Dr. Fraser Macdonald for an intriguing exploration of the architectural and social history of the GDR in Dresden. Dr. Macdonald will highlight the ideological and cultural importance of the buildings as he guides travelers through key points of the GDR’s urban planning from the 1960s to the 1980s. Starting at the southern end of Prager Strasse, you’ll observe significant architectural elements before heading to the renowned Kulturpalast, where you’ll have the chance to explore inside. The tour then moves to the old town to examine which buildings the GDR chose to restore, demolish, or neglect after the war. The journey concludes at Neustadt Markt, the centerpiece of GDR urban planning in Dresden, where its historical and ongoing significance will be discussed.
- Infants will need to be carried
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
