Topography of Terror Museum
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.
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 out of 5
A learning experience, it takes you through history chronologically, which is very interesting. We had a guide beforehand that had given us lots of stories of escape attempts and interesting facts which nicely framed the visit. Certainly woth a visit and quite mind blowing how relatively recent this was still the status Quo
Tom Brennan - a week ago
Absolutely free and very well-equipped with educational materials. Must visit for history lovers. Excellent location in the city centre with the remainings of Berlin wall in its yard.
Andrej Videnović - 3 weeks ago
If you’re interested in history, especially the events surrounding World War II and the Nazi regime, the Topography of Terror is a must-visit in Berlin. Located on the site where the SS and Gestapo headquarters once stood, this open-air and indoor museum offers a powerful and sobering look into one of the darkest chapters in human history.
Through photographs, documents, and audio-visual materials, the exhibition presents a detailed account of how the Nazi regime used terror to control and persecute. The outdoor section also preserves part of the Berlin Wall, adding to the historical depth of the site.
Admission is free, and it’s very well-organized, with information available in both German and English. It’s a moving experience that encourages reflection and understanding — not just of Germany’s past, but of the importance of human rights and democratic values today.
Lia Scarabeli - a month ago
Excellent free museum! Very gentle staff. Audio guide is provided for free and big surprise also in Greek. No visit of Berlin without visiting this place!
Nicole Kanellopoulou - 3 months ago
Very interesting museum, full of sadness and atrocities that SS made in the second world Word. It is full of video reproductions, photographic material, and not only. A dive into the most horrible past that history has ever created, and which is good to remember in times when unfortunately those who have been subjected to these atrocities try to replicate in the name of freedom.. I really recommend 🙏
Timeto (to) - 2 months ago
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Photo Credit: Harald Groven - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
