Topography of Terror Museum

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The Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin is a permanent exhibition and memorial to the history and terror inflicted by Naziism and the SS troops leading up to, and during, the Second World War.

It serves to tell the story of how such an evil regime as Nazism could gain a foothold in Germany and expand into the beast it became. The material is well presented with excellent photographs and storyboards. This museum is yet another example of Germany’s effort to come to terms with its past and stress its reputation as a nation which acknowledges and thoroughly documents its transgressions.

The Topography of Terror Museum is located on the original site of buildings that served as the SS Reich Main Security Office and the Gestapo headquarters from 1933 through 1945.

It focuses more on the perpetrators than the victims leaving you emotionally drained and with more questions than answers about how such a travesty could take place and how so many who took part were never held accountable. It was at this location that the persecution and elimination of political adversaries to the Nazi regime were arranged and coordinated and it was here that the unthinkable plans for the genocide of European Jews were finalized. Thousands of Jews, Roma, and any other political opponents were tortured and detained in nearby prison cells before being moved to concentration camps.

A temporary exhibition opened on the site in 1987, but it wasn’t until 2010 that the current two-storey steel and glass rectangle, designed by architect Ursula Wilms, and exhibition were completed and opened to the public.

Visiting the Topography of Terror Museum

Plan to devote two to three hours if you want to read all the information boards which are in both German and English. Nevertheless, you can learn a lot of history here in one hour. Your time will certainly be well spent.

Complementing the exhibition are 15 information stations inside and another outside exhibition at the remainder of the exposed cellar walls along Niederkirchnerstraße. The outdoor exhibition is closed during winter.

The Topography of Terror Museum is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. Audio guides and a phone app are available to complement your tour.

There is no admission charge to visit.

See the complete line of Berlin Experiences on Viator

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No. Admission to the museum is Free.

Topography of Terror Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany

Phone: 030 25450950

Official Website: Topography of Terror Museum

Topography of Terror Museum Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I think this place is really nice. It's free and you can learn a lot about history from here! Please remember that it's free museum so it can get really really busy there. I definitely took some time in the museum because it was a lot of information. I really recommend it for people who loves history and wanna learn more about this.
Plyfa I. - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating You can easily be there for a day. There is so much information there. You cannot help. Such a detailed museum. And it's for free. As most of the second world war memorials in Berlin. We didn't have much time as it was closing in 1hour. But if you want history in detail I with time to read everything. It's so, but so full of information. Not much places to buy stuff around. More focused on the memorial itself. See the wall it was just an impact. And the pictures. ...
Gabriela Pinheiro - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating This place is easy to access, and best of all, it’s free. From what we gathered, you can get guides if you want a more detailed experience. They also offer a simple audio guide that you can scan on your phone and follow along with. There’s a map with markings, and the lady on the audio guide clearly directs you on where to look and go, making it really easy to follow. The information was fascinating but incredibly sad, giving a raw look into the history of what happened in Europe. Highly recommend if you’re interested in history and want a powerful, eye-opening experience through photos and stories. There are lockers for personal storage, you need to lock it with a coin in the mechanism. A cafe is inside of the building as well. We bought the English version of their history book. Although would recommend when there are no school class tours as they all sit on the floor in front of places you want to visit. Was a little inconvenient but fine.
Rol Gun - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Very informative and very well done. No charge to enter either the building or the outdoor area. Very powerful standing on the same ground where so much happened…it really intensifies the whole experience.
Scarlet Hamrick - a month ago

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5 Star Rating This is an absolute must stop if you are visiting Berlin. The museum has an indoor and outdoor visiting area. The outdoor is along an original section of the Berlin Wall and covered from the elements if it is raining. The indoor section is also free. It is a great facility and displays everything about the Third Reich and so much more. You can spend quite a bit of time here for sure. There is a canteen, great washroom facilities, and a library (?) - was not open. I highly recommend this museum - so much information. Thanks.
Troy Chiasson - 4 months ago

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