Light Boxes · Audio guide
Listen to the story of Light Boxes
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Story
Berlin has light boxes hidden throughout its streets.
They look like normal photographs until you take a closer look.
The past and the present are in the same frame. I'll show you the trick to see it.
Visiting Light Boxes
- How to get there
- The closest stop is U Kochstraße/Checkpoint Charlie bus stop, 82 meters away. The Kochstraße/Checkpoint Charlie metro/train station is 114 meters away.
- Entry and price
- Entry is free.
- Opening hours
- The installation is always open.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Light Boxes?
The Light Boxes are two nearly six-meter-high panels with photographs of soldiers, created by artist Frank Thiel in 1998. They are located at Checkpoint Charlie and serve as a memorial to the end of the Cold War.
Who are the soldiers depicted in the Light Boxes?
The American soldier is Jeffrey Harper, a musician who played in the 298th Army Band of the Berlin Brigade. The Russian soldier remains anonymous, but his uniform is from the Russian Federation, symbolizing the post-Soviet era.
Why were the Light Boxes created?
The installation was part of a Berlin Senate competition called 'Transitions' in 1996. It replaced bureaucratic signs with human faces to symbolize the end of the Cold War and the division of Berlin.
What is nearby the Light Boxes?
Nearby attractions include Checkpoint Charlie, just 18 meters away, and the BlackBox Kalter Krieg, which is 47 meters away and open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
What is the significance of the Light Boxes' technology?
The panels use backlit light box technology, commonly used for outdoor advertising, to ensure visibility day and night. This choice highlights the contrast between consumer culture and historical memory.
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