The Checkpoint Charlie museum exists today to remind people of the limitations of the East side of Germany during the communist era, and the many who tried to escape over the wall or through Checkpoint Charlie. 
We were amazed at how much Russian stuff was available and that things were written in Russian in the area.
My brother used to live in the Eastern side of Berlin. He took us around. We were astounded at the sameness of miles and miles of apartments.
Some buildings still have some renovation necessary.
Our son was especially impressed with what has been dubbed by some as "The Pope's Revenge." After the wall went up, the communist government of East Berlin decided to build a TV tower that would be a monument to man's achievements. All crosses on churches were taken down. Still, everytime the sun shone, a cross would form on the TV tower. Even when they tried to put more dull metal on the TV tower, it still formed a cross. God would not let himself be hid.
