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
Excellent. Since I last visited, they have added an indoor exhibition which is very good. It's also free and we thought it was better than the Checkpoint Charlie museum that we paid €18 to visit.
Alison Lewis - a week ago
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 - 3 months ago
The Topography of Terror is a powerful and very moving place to visit. The exhibition is well-presented, informative and deeply thought-provoking, showing the darkest part of German’s history. A must-see for anyone wanting to understand the city beyond its landmarks. This exhibition proves that Berlin doesn’t hide history, they learn from it.
Michał - 4 weeks ago
A totally shocking museum of the horrors of the Nazi regime. It is an extensive documentation of the brutal treatment of certain sections of society that did not fit in with the party's ideals. An outside display covers the pre-war to post-war eras and inside the museum large displays are enhanced by information boards covering aspects of the subject in more detail.
A must visit museum if you are in Berlin.
Can be busy with school groups.
Free entrance.
Ivor Chapman - a month 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 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
