Topography of Terror
"Tell me: What’s this place all about? You’re on the site of the headquarters of the Gestapo, Nazi Germany’s secret police force between 1933 and 1945, where many political prisoners were tortured before being sent to concentration camps and prisons. The Reich Security Main Office, created by Nazi paramilitary organization Schutzstaffel (SS) head and chief of the German police Heinrich Himmel—which was responsible for organizing the Holocaust—was also headquarted here starting in 1939. Indoor and outdoor exhibitions walk visitors through the history of these organizations and the crimes that they committed. Especially moving is the outdoor exhibit “Berlin 1933-1945. Between Propaganda and Terror” that looks at how the Nazis came to power in Berlin; it’s displayed amongst excavated sections of the fomer building (visible through glass panels) where the Nazis planned their crimes against humanity. The comprehensive inside exhibit goes into even more depth, using photos and stories to tell the story of when the Nazis came to power and the crimes they committed until World War II ended. Both exhibits, plus regularly rotating temporary ones, are free to visit. For even more history, to the site’s north you’ll find the longest section of the Berlin Wall still remaining in the city center. What’s it like being there? It’s bone-chilling to know that this is where many of the horrible atrocities of the Third Reich were planned and carried out. It’s definitely a place of somber reflection and, frankly, astonishment at the evils on display. Is there a guide involved? There are free 60-minute guided tours of the inside exhibition on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 pm, in both English and German. Just show up 15 minutes before the tour starts to join. But the most flexible way to get more information is to download the audio guide (there’s a QR code at the inside entrance) for a 60-minute self-guided tour you can follow on your phone; audio guide devices are also available, for free. That said, the Topography of Terror exhibits already include so much information to digest that a tour really isn’t needed, if you’re committed to spending time reading the documentation—and bear in mind that there’s a lot of documentation, which is wonderful but also can be overwhelming. Who comes here? Berlin visitors of all ages come here to learn more about the horrible events that helped shape this city. That said, it’s not really suited to young children (it’s recommended for children over age 14), as there are many disturbingly graphic images on display, plus a lot of reading to get the most out of a visit. Did it meet expectations? Berlin is filled with traces of the Holocaust, and visiting the Topography of Terror helps put this history in context. It’s a fascinating, comprehensive look at how the Nazis came to power—and what they did with that power—and it’s pretty much impossible to come here and not feel the weight of the city’s history around you. So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for? Even if you’re well-versed in the history of the Nazi movement, the Topography of Terror is an essential Berlin visit for everyone to remember these terrors and to help ensure they will never happen again. Aim to set aside at least a couple hours to take it all in."
