When we woke up, it was war in Potsdam: Touching exhibition at the Brandenburg State Parliament

An exhibition opening that lingers: "When We Woke Up, It Was War" at the Brandenburg State Parliament

On September 8, 2026, an exhibition will open in the foyer of the Brandenburg State Parliament in Potsdam that starts quietly and remains long in memory. "When We Woke Up, It Was War" showcases documentary photography, personal stories, and the traces of flight, arrival, and new beginnings of Ukrainian women.

Between loss and new beginnings

The project by Kira Perepelytsia and Konstantin Börner focuses on biographies that have been marked by disruptions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The exhibition works with portraits, texts, quotes, and personal items, making visible how war intervenes in everyday life, relationships, and future plans.

A place with political and symbolic power

The Brandenburg State Parliament at the Old Market adds extra weight to the presentation. The foyer as an exhibition space creates closeness, calm, and a setting in which visitors can engage intensively with the works. The vernissage takes place on September 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM; informal registration for the opening is requested by August 31, 2026.

An exhibition experience with a clear stance

Those who visit this exhibition will not experience a loud staging but a concentrated, human event experience. The imagery, personal narratives, and documentary perspective combine to create an evocative exhibition that invites contemplation and directs attention to societal cohesion.

Practical information for visitors

The exhibition will be on view from September 9 to November 5, 2026, in the foyer of the Brandenburg State Parliament. Regular visits to the foyer exhibitions are possible from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM without prior registration; the State Parliament is closed on public holidays. Access is via the Fortuna portal at the Old Market.

The conclusion: "When We Woke Up, It Was War" connects photography, eyewitness accounts, and political consciousness to a touching cultural event in Potsdam. Those who want to experience powerful images, real stories, and an exhibition with societal relevance should mark this date and be there live.

Official channels of PUSH-UA e.V.:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtagbrandenburg/
• Facebook: no official profile found
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDL3gs0tZwRi6oVDfC0YOGw
• TikTok: no official profile found

Sources:

• When We Woke Up It Was War - official project site
• Brandenburg State Parliament - Foyer Exhibitions
• Brandenburg State Parliament - Directions, Access, and Opening Hours
• PUSH-UA e.V. - About the Association
• Brandenburg State Center for Political Education - PUSH-UA e.V.
• miz.org - Brandenburg State Parliament Social Media and Contact Details