Berlin Wall Monument in Chicago

The monument displays an approximately 16-foot section of the actual Berlin Wall at the Western Brown Line CTA station in Lincoln Square. This concrete segment stands outdoors and is clearly visible to all train passengers and pedestrians passing through this transit hub.

The German government donated this wall section to Chicago in 1989, about 29 years after the structure had divided Berlin. The gift symbolized reunification and the new relationship between the cities following the Cold War's end.

The monument is located in Lincoln Square, a neighborhood shaped by German immigration, and displays inscriptions from Chicago and Berlin officials about freedom and unity. Visitors can read these messages and understand what this symbol means to both cities.

The monument is accessible by taking the Western Brown Line train, which stops directly at the station where the wall section is displayed. Since it is located in a public transit area, access is free and available at any time.

The wall segment displays graffiti on its western face while its eastern side remains unadorned. These visual differences reflect the contrasting experiences that people living on both sides of Berlin had during the division.

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 41.96620,-87.68850

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59