The fall of the Berlin Wall marked one of the most pivotal moments in modern history, symbolizing the end of a divided Germany and the collapse of the Iron Curtain. As the barrier that separated East and West Berlin crumbled, a wave of emotion, hope, and unity spread across the world. From the first cracks in its concrete surface to the jubilant crowds that celebrated its destruction, the Wall’s last days were filled with a profound sense of freedom and possibility. The images that remain from that time reflect not only the physical destruction of a symbol of division but also the emotional dismantling of years of separation and mistrust. Here are 15 photos from the last days of the Berlin wall.
1. The start of bringing down the Berlin wall, 1989.

You can see the hatred in this man’s face while he swings that sledgehammer.
2. West German citizens helping their East German countrymen over the Berlin Wall.

This photo is from when the Berlin Wall finally came down in 1989.
3. The Berlin wall falling, 1989.

Here, you can see East German soldiers meeting the Westerners.
4. An East German soldier passing a flower through a crack in the wall, 1989.

This photo shows that most people just want peace.
5. Even the kids were doing their part.

I love the friendly smiles as they tear down the wall.
6. He is slowly but surely taking it down.

He’s weakening the wall for everyone else.
7. Sneaking a kiss while the wall is coming down.

“My girlfriend is from West Berlin, you wouldn’t know her.”
8. West Germans greeting East Germans during the fall of the wall.

I really hope he didn’t leave him hanging.
9. Collecting pieces of the wall to sell to tourists.

This kid is an entrepreneur.
10. The same spot, 1960s vs 1990s.

It’s a good thing that the wall came down, or that cyclist would have slammed right into the wall.
11. East Germans heading to the Berlin wall to hear Michael Jackson perform on the West side.

The concert was part of MJ’s international Bad tour.
12. A young girl pointing at the start of the fall, 1989.

There are so many ways to interpret the meaning of this photo.
13. Men hammering the Berlin wall while East German guards fire on them with a water cannon.

That water can do some serious damage.
14. West German kids’ first interaction with East German border guards.

Those kids are in their 40s and 50s now.
15. East German guards watching the wall fall.

They don’t look disappointed at all.