Suwanee home to a piece of the Berlin Wall

SUWANEE - It's a piece of concrete. It's a piece of art. It's a piece of history. It's what is believed to be one of the largest and most intact sections of the Berlin Wall, and it currently is standing in front of Suwanee City Hall.

This iconic symbol of the Cold War era stands approximately 13 feet tall and weighs 8,000 pounds. The once-western-facing side of the concrete section features graffiti artwork that depicts a building, people, and the American flag. Plans call for it to be on display in Suwanee over the next couple of months while the Auction Management Corporation prepares to auction off the four-ton historic/artistic marker.

This section of the Berlin Wall was found in an East Berlin work camp and has been in the Atlanta area since 1991, but has rarely been on public exhibit. The current owner is DeHaan and Co. Financial Partners. Sections of the Wall can be found at museums, colleges, and businesses in at least 26 U.S. states, according to a 2009 USA Today article.

"We're thrilled to be able to exhibit this section of the Berlin Wall," says Suwanee's Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson. "It's a cool way to bring an important piece of art and history to area residents. This display fits in well with Suwanee's goal of making art accessible."

The Berlin Wall was an approximately 100-mile barrier constructed beginning in 1961

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