In our new permanent exhibition, you can experience how Germany has developed into a stable democracy since 1945 – personal, close to everyday life and interactive. Right at the entrance, an impressive media installation awaits you: “You Are Part of History” is the motto. Live-recorded silhouettes of visitors blend with historical footage, for example people dancing on the Berlin Wall in November 1989. This is how your journey through more than seven decades of German history begins.

The focus is not only on political decisions or social debates, but on people, their personal stories and their lived historical experience. Contemporary witnesses share what life was like in divided and reunified Germany: They talk about difficult moments and courageous decisions, hopes and new beginnings.

Over 3,800 objects bring this history to life: a homemade escape aircraft, a doll’s cradle from the post-war years, a Ford Transit from the life of an immigrant family – and a treehouse as a symbol of climate protest.

The original Basic Law from 1949 also has a place in our permanent exhibition. Along the interactive trail "Your Basic Rights", you will learn how our basic rights were fought for and what role the Basic Law plays in our everyday lives. The Family Trail guides families with children aged four and up through the exhibition with many interactive stations.

Our permanent exhibition ends in the "Today" section. This section deals with current events and topics that are currently affecting our society and are being discussed and negotiated. On the Voting Island, your opinion is asked for: there, you can make your perspective visible.

And you too can become part of history. Leave your own mark in our permanent exhibition and share with other visitors what moves you.

Contemporary history is waiting for you. We look forward to your visit!