Passports in the Tränenpalast

Passports on show in the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears) in Berlin

The Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears) was the departure hall at Friedrichstraße station for travelers departing from East Germany to West Berlin during much of the Cold War. It now houses an interesting free museum.

On show here are passports with stamps for crossing the Inner German border at Probstzella or Friedrichstraße for crossing through the Tränenpalast.

Also on show is a photo of an East German family, who after years of hassles, was allowed to legally leave the DDR just hours before the Wall came down.