Explore the thought-provoking art collection in 'Are Communists Allowed to Dream? The Gallery of the Palace of the Republic.' This exquisite hardcover book, published by Prestel in 2018, dives deep into the cultural and historical significance of East Germany's Palace of the Republic. Opened in 1976, this architectural marvel was not just a seat of governance but also a platform for artistic expression. The East German government commissioned sixteen renowned artists, including Bernhard Heisig, Wolfgang Mattheuer, Willi Sitte, Werner Tubke, Walter Womacka, and Hans Vent, to create powerful large-scale paintings reflecting the question at the core of this collection: 'Are Communists allowed to dream?' Each work, while unique in style, adheres to the traditional realistic painting techniques of the era, providing a powerful commentary on the society of East Germany. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent reunification, this art collection faced obscurity, with the palace itself demolished in 2006. This beautifully illustrated volume coincides with the first public exhibition of these remarkable paintings since 1995, offering readers an intriguing insight into the intersection of art, politics, and identity in post-war Germany. This book is a must-have for art enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the legacy of East German culture. Experience the artistic dialogue within its pages and ponder the enduring question: Can dreams exist in a communist regime?