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.
Our museum garden offers a welcome green oasis where you can take a break: in the play maze, over a game of table tennis, or with a brief journey through the history of German garden culture.
Contemporary history is waiting for you. We look forward to your visit!
Trailer
Audioguide
Discover the permanent exhibition by yourself!
Audioguide
Our audioguide, with videoguide, accompanies you through our permanent exhibition. At 30 stops, you can discover more about German history. Use your smartphone as you explore the exhibition, or listen to the audioguide from home.
The content is available in German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian and Polish, as well as in audio description (German and English), Easy Language and video in German Sign Language (DGS).
Guided Visits
Experience the exhibition together
Guided Tours
We offer guided tours of our permanent exhibition for individual visitors as well as groups, in a range of languages.
For further information and booking options, please click here.
Explore the green oasis of our museum!
Guided Tours in the Museum Garden
Whether you’re navigating the play maze, enjoying a game of table tennis or exploring the Education Pavilion, our museum garden invites you to relax and discover!
This green oasis is part of the permanent exhibition and showcases developments and trends in German garden culture from the post-war period to the present day. Explore it as part of a guided tour or independently.
We offer public guided tours as well as group bookings.
For more information, please click here.
Insights
