The decisive day of the Peaceful Revolution was 9 October 1989, when 70,000 demonstrators in Leipzig overthrew the SED regime with cries of “We are the people!” and “No violence!”. With their courage, determination and renunciation of violence, they wrote national history in Leipzig and laid the foundations for German reunification. The moving images of the Monday demonstrations in the autumn of 1989 were seen around the world. They showed determined people peacefully demanding basic democratic rights in a society that had come to a standstill.
Under the motto “Autumn '89 – The Dawn of Democracy”, the city commemorates the events surrounding the Peaceful Revolution with the annual Festival of Lights on Leipzig’s day of remembrance.
History
Tracing the Peaceful Revolution
Tour of the Peaceful Revolution
The tour includes the most important places of the events of the Peaceful Revolution: St. Nicholas Church, where the prayers for peace were held, the Monday demonstrations on Augustusplatz and the Ring, the "Round Corner", the former district administration of the State Security and today a museum, etc.
© Philipp Kirschner
© Philipp Kirschner
Memorial Museum in the "Round Corner" (Stasi Museum)
For 40 years, the building was the seat of the Leipzig District Administration for State Security. Today it houses the Memorial Museum in the "Round Corner".
Here you can learn about the function, working methods and history of the Ministry for State Security in the former offices of the Stasi officers.
Group tours of the museum can be arranged on request.
St. Nicholas Church Leipzig
St. Nicholas Church is a landmark of German reunification. Peace prayers still take place every Monday today.
On the St. Nicholas churchyard next to the church there is a replica of a Dautheian column, which is intended as a peace column to commemorate the Monday demonstrations and the peacefulness of the revolution.
© Tom Thiele
© Robin Kunz
Forum of Contemporary History
Experience the history of the GDR and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the time. It is told through numerous video and audio stations as well as interactive media.
For larger groups (from 15 persons) it is best to book a guided tour tailored to your needs in advance with the Visitor Service.