From the ‘Anti-Fascist Protection Wall’ to a UNESCO World Heritage Site – public lecture focuses on the Berlin Wall

The lecture *The Berlin Wall: From ‘Anti-Fascist Protection Wall’ to UNESCO World Heritage Site* begins at 5.30 pm in the Central Lecture Theatre Building, Audimax 1. Admission is free. No registration is required.

About the lecture

August 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall. Whilst it stood, the Wall was a symbol of oppression and also a symbol of the Cold War. But its unexpected fall turned it into an icon of liberation overnight. How did the Wall come to be built, how did it evolve over the years, and how was it perceived? Above all, however: what happened to it after the fall of the Wall? Why do millions of visitors still come to Berlin wanting to know where the Wall stood and what remains of it to see? And how is it possible that the Wall may soon become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Moderator: Prof. Dr Magdalena Mißler-Behr, BTU, Chair of Business Administration, in particular Planning, Innovation and Start-ups

Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026, 5.30 pm to 7 pm
Venue: Audimax 1 on the BTU main campus, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus

About the speaker

Prof. Dr Leo Schmidt is Professor Emeritus at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) on the chair of Architectural Conservation. His distinguished career encompasses research and teaching in the field of Architectural Conservation and the protection of cultural heritage. Professor Schmidt has published extensively on the conservation of historic buildings and has been involved in numerous international projects. With his many years of experience and expertise, he has made significant contributions to the theory and practice of Architectural Conservation. His commitment extends beyond teaching to active participation in specialist committees and conferences, where he advocates for the preservation of cultural heritage.

About the Open BTU lecture series

From 15 April 2026 to 17 June 2026, the public lecture series Open BTU offers insights into fascinating fields of knowledge. During the summer semester, the following topics will be explored from various perspectives:

• Democracy – Retrospectives, the Present and Future Prospects
• Prefabricated housing and heritage conservation – Two architectural perspectives on the GDR
• The garden – a natural reflection of society on our green spaces 

With this educational format, open to all interested parties, the University’s Centre for Continuing Education supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. In doing so, the BTU cooperates with other universities and institutions. After each lecture, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion with the speakers. Interested parties are warmly invited to take part in the wide-ranging programme of events.

More about the Open BTU public lecture series