Posted by 
What was life really like living behind the Iron Curtain? The Wende is where you can get a glimpse via its collection of over 100,000 artifacts, archives and personal histories taken from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Here you’ll find paintings, diaries, sculptures, propaganda posters, consumer products, and more. Think everything from busts of Vladimir Lenin to a pocket calendar for the “Bureau of the People’s Police.” It’s a trip.
The Wende’s temporary exhibitions are some of the most thoughtful you’ll find in the city. For example, Counter/Surveillance: Control, Privacy, Agency, which is on view through October 2025, is one of our favorites from this past year. The exhibition digs deep into Cold War-era surveillance practices, touching on origins of modern data collection and facial recognition while providing a lens through which we examine the the pivotal role privacy plays in the battle between freedom and control. The museum also features an array of ongoing free programs, including meditation sessions, film screenings, writing groups, and their monthly family day. If it’s not on your list already, The Wende needs to be added.
advertisements
Who Might Enjoy This?
- You’re a student of 20th century history.
- You live on the Westside and are looking for a free thing to do.
- You were a child of the 80’s and watched Rocky IV one too many times.
When: Open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours for other special programs may vary.
Where: 10808 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
Want to get the best things to do in L.A. sent straight to your inbox? Join over 60,000 Angelenos who subscribe to our twice weekly email newsletter!
By subscribing, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy and consent to receive emails from We Like L.A. about news, events, offers, and partner promotions.
advertisements
