The Volksbühne, the industrial site of Oberschöneweide, the house of the SED Central Committee, Café Espresso - this was East Berlin. But the bohemian scene in Prenzlauer Berg, techno at SEZ, and gay meeting spots also belonged to the capital of the GDR. The texts provide insights into the life of the city and the tensions between political claims and individual life concepts. Social and cultural milieus in the city are explored, including their working world as well as housing, places of urban pleasure, and subcultural scenes. The sound of the city, its street life, and its official self-presentation are also examined. The volume invites readers to re-examine experiences from East Berlin and find connections for current debates about the metropolis of Berlin. Featuring texts by Lilli Berlin, Marion Brasch, Albrecht Henkys, Annett Gröschner, Annette Leo, Jörg Morré, Bodo Mrozek, P.