In 1989 thousands of people poured through the gate when the border was once again opened. Close to the Brandenburg Gate is the Reichstag. The newly renovated building is the seat of the German government. Also near the gate is the Adlon Hotel. The premier hotel in prewar Berlin, the Adlon is once again an elegant place to stay.
Berlin is a city of museums.
The Pergamon Museum houses the famous Pergamon Altar and portions of other temples such as the one seen on the right. Other museums in Berlin include the Staaliche Museen and the Bode. The group learned of the evolution of the Piano at a museum devoted to the history of musical instruments. The museum contains displays explaining the rise and the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as objects used by persons who escaped over the Wall. We were able to meet Berlin bears as well as pandas, zebras, elephants and other other exotic animals at the famous Berlin Zoo located in the heart of Berlin.