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 museum. There is so much information that we never knew. It's really in-depth and so many personal stories which are very sad but glad they are told. Helped me to understand what it was really like in Berlin back in ww2. It was one of the best museums we have been to in Berlin. Make sure you give yourself enough time to walk around as it's not a quick museum.
Becky Bennett - 2 months ago
This was by far the most informative place to visit and gives one a total overview of the history of Berlin, both pre and post war. It's also free, making it well worth the time spent there.
Douglas Tuck - a month ago
Very moving exhibit that I would rate as must-see for any Berlin visitor! The phone-based free audio guide tour was excellent, make sure to bring your earphones.
Pavel Tcholakov - 4 months ago
A Great History of the Nazi era in Germany from 1933 to 1945. There are two museums at this location ,one outside and the other inside . The outside one is covered partially by a polycarbonate roof.The inside museum There are a lot of permanent exhibitions displayed in this large museum. At the entrance to this museum, there is a section of the old Berlin Wall still standing here. A great place to visit if you are interested in the history of the Third Reich.
Brendan Cahill - 5 months ago
Beautiful and diverse paintings on a piece of history, really fun to see, very picturesque, and for free! My only issue was how touristy it was there but I suppose that's to be expected from such a notable place. What I appreciate, though, was how respectful other people were when taking pictures - they'd politely wait until you took your pictures and only then they would walk by. Very nice! Another detail I liked about the wall was that there were names of the paintings and artists written in front of the paintings.
Anna Augustinová - 7 months ago
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