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
This place is freely open to public and is open until 8pm, making it a good place after leaving other museums when they close at 6pm.
The wall and ruins outside is well protected. The content is very educational, I spent around 2 hours there and learnt a lot. Respect their honesty to their history trauma and their crimes, when I left this place, Germany society shows a new angle to me.
Mengbing Xi - 2 weeks ago
Wow. Very moving. If you want some Nazi Germany World War II history this is one of the places you must go to. I spent a few hours in here. So much to read. So incredible to see the history. To be upclose to the Berlin Wall. You can take the kids & it is recommended that you do so. It is a very good history lesson for the little ones. Soo many historical photographs. I spent a a couple of hours here. They have restrooms thankfully.
Bryan - 3 months ago
Appreciate this is a free museum. Information is presented clearly and is compelling. Worth taking time here.
Ramona Danielson - a month ago
A must see museum when you come to Berlin. Tons of photographers that have never been seen elsewhere. The museume goes in depth on how the Nazi party came to power and all of the atrocities that they committed. Give yourself at least three hours to take in all of the information
Dan Leal - 4 months ago
Terrifying peace of history at the heart of Berlim. Also, the new building itself, is wonderful. Sure it worth’s the visit. Cannot miss it
Mauro Kusznir - 3 months ago
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Photo Gallery
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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
