Exhibitions

5 June to 31 August 2025

The exhibition "Mod-Block-DDR. Obstacles to Modernization in the Economy and Science of the GDR" provides an insight into the central results of an interdisciplinary research network on socialist modernisation in the GDR and the People's Republic of Poland in compact, comic-like illustrated panels. The focus is on blockades and limitations of innovation and development in business and science, the causes and long-term effects of which were analysed from a comparative perspective. This also raises questions about the achievements, ambivalences and potential of modernisation attempts from the past era, which often remain underexposed in the public debate.

The panels depict key players, phenomena, conflicts, symbols and events that exemplify the blockades and dynamics of socialist modernisation. The motifs are based on the core questions and research results of the sub-projects from the second funding phase of the "Mod-Block-DDR" project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

The aim of the exhibition is to convey scientific findings in a clear and accessible way - and to encourage critical reflection on the legacy of state socialism in East Germany and East Central Europe.

Location: Main Building, Große Scharrnstraße 59, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder), in front of the library

Language of the exhibition: German, English translation is available online

Online exhibition

They all study or work here, are part of the Viadrina, the Viadrina is part of their lives. They characterise this place with their interests, their commitment and their diversity. They are enthusiastic and drive ideas and projects forward here. So far so similar, same same, they are part of the Viadrina family.

But they also face challenges here, realise that the conditions for studying and working here are not the same for everyone, encounter inequalities and unequal treatment and reflect on them. Perhaps they miss something in common, perhaps they want change or visibility for their concerns. But different: they are also different.

In the exhibition, ten people from the Viadrina have their say, tell their stories, what moves them, what they want, what ideas they have for the future of the Viadrina and how we can move closer together so that our university is a place where we all enjoy studying and working. What unites us? What university culture do we want to promote? Who is seen, who is less visible or not visible at all? What is the same (same same), what is different (but different), what view do they have of the Viadrina (insights) and in which direction do they want to move forward (outlooks)?

Online exhibition

As part of the seminar „Female Ancestors in Photographs and Documents“, a research project began at the Faculty of Cultural Studies at the European University Viadrina in the summer semester of 2023, under the direction of lecturer PD Dr Izabella Parowicz, in which students created a biography of a female ancestor living in the first half of the 20th century.

After this seminar was completed, three of the participants from the seminar (Anna Beuchel, Jan Hoffmann and Maria Siegele), together with a new student (Emilia Zimmermann), attended the subsequent course „Female Ancestors in Photographs and Documents – Exhibition Project“ in the winter semester 2023/24. The aim of this seminar was to create a website from the previously compiled biographies in order to create a digital exhibition project for internal and external visitors to the university.

The online exhibition shows historical images including accompanying texts in German and Polish and invites visitors to discover and remember. Over the course of the year, image galleries, videos and continuing stories will complement the digital offering and allow visitors to experience the history of Viadrina and the many people who have built and shaped the university since it was founded.