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The Topography of Terror (German: Topographie des Terrors) is an outdoor and indoor history museum in Berlin, Germany. It is located on Niederkirchnerstrasse, formerly Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse, on the site of buildings, which during the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945 was the SS Reich Security Main Office, the headquarters of the Sicherheitspolizei, SD, Einsatzgruppen and Gestapo.
The buildings that housed the Gestapo and SS headquarters were largely destroyed by Allied bombing during early 1945 and the ruins demolished after the war. The boundary between the American and Soviet zones of occupation in Berlin ran along the Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse, so the street soon became a fortified boundary, and the Berlin Wall ran along the south side of the street, renamed Niederkirchnerstrasse, from 1961 to 1989. The wall here was never demolished. The section adjacent to the Topography of Terror site is the longest extant segment of the outer wall, as the longer East Side Gallery section in Friedrichshain was part of the inner wall, not visible from West Berlin.
Moving and sensitively done. The event descriptions are written on blocks that hang from the ceiling. The swaying of the blocks while you're trying to read made me feel a bit queasy. Good tea selection in the cafe and good restrooms
Dave LewisMar 4, 2018
This is an amazing and moving place covering the period from the rise of the Nazis to the Nuremberg trials and beyond in great detail. Well thought-out and displayed. Not an easy visit but worthwhile and interesting. Housed on the site of Gestapo headquarters
Alison HaywardFeb 21, 2018
This is an incredibly engrossing presentation. I did not anticipate spending two hours here! It is a lot of reading (like all of it). With a few interactive bits. It is an in-depth exhibit of the various secret police agencies and how they came to be so powerful, as well as, what they did with that power. The organization and presentation of information is great. It describes the systematic way German officials in WWII murdered millions of people. Including the laws they passed to allow such actions and how they influenced the general publics views/awareness.
Candice KalbNov 30, 2017
Visiting Germany and especially Berlin without thinking about its history doesn't make sense for me. It is not about Germany in the end, but about us as humans. This exhibition tells about that. It is a map somehow, that shows the steps to totalitarianism, ignorance and crime. It is a lesson that shows how these things are always close to us. That does just happened in history. It stills happen, metamorphosed in many variations in different countries. Go there with time, read everything and think about yourself, your country, your political leaders. Then the objective of this exhibition will be achieved.
Renato KestenerDec 3, 2017
This was hard to find and since it was dark it was hard to locate but once we did we really enjoyed it. A lot of it was just information and a big timeline to walk through but there was good info an many pictures I had not seen before. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but we enjoyed it for the historical value. There was also a very good propaganda piece off to the side. My husband and I went well our children went and cruised the mall as it was Christmas and it was a little depressing for them. Everyone working there was very polite.
AurelyseJan 28, 2018
Great, nuanced exhibition on the inner workings of the Nazi regime. Some parts are difficult to stomach, but nevertheless very informative and interesting. Audio guide is recommended. Outside the building you'll see fragments of the Berlin Wall along with a short timeline depicting the rise of the Nazi party in open air. Overall great place to visit and well worth the high scoring.
Alexandru M. SimionApr 1, 2018
An absolute must visit. The amount of history located at just this place is intense. The museum does an amazing job of openly and respectfully presenting such a difficult, disgusting, tragic part of history. Truly an emotional but educational and important experience.. and it’s free!
michaelkim1981Mar 11, 2018
It's free, so that's a really good thing. It's nice to see the history of Berlin/Germany. There is a lot to read but there are also a lot of pictures. For kids it's not really recommend because it's only reading. Maybe I would go here again.
Jan OverbeekMar 10, 2018
Very interesting, lots of stuff to look at. Possibly worth 5 stars but I didn't get enough time to look around so I couldn't say
Zed PApr 4, 2018
I found this very interesting to visit in Berlin. I really liked that the same display can be viewed outdoors (we were blessed with the weather) and also indoors for use of the toilets. The information is facinating and I really admire the Germans no holes barred admission of the atrocities they facilitated in the past. A lot of countries could take the lead from Germany!
Claire HoldingApr 21, 2018
History and cool facts nicely presented. You can spend a lot of time reading or listening. For sure you'll gonna learn something new.
mihai curutiuMay 8, 2018
The Germans love for meticulous documentation is shown in this place. The history of how Hitler rose to power and the crimes he committed was well documented in this place. But there was too much to learn in few hours. If you are really interested in history I would recommend you spend atleast 4-5 hours in this place to grab atleast half of the information provided. I would recommend a guided tour if you love history and have very less time to spare in Berlin.
Keerthanaa BalasubramaniamApr 23, 2018
If you're interested in learning in great detail, this is a treasure trove of documentation. I would advise trying the audio guide - there's really little to see beyond a huge room of posters with a handful of photos and written explanations. I couldn't help but feel that a video documentary (or a handful) would be a perfectly good substitute.
Dave BarnettMay 24, 2018
This site was very Informative. You have to take your time to really go through everything. At times it can be a bit somber but educational.i am really glad I got the opportunity to visit this museum.
Deisha FlowersJun 3, 2018
A surreal experience, this exhibit starts off outdoors with the path to tyranny and continues indoors in an open space with a lot of information and interesting facts. There is an atmosphere of focused silence and you can feel the crowds absorbing the information and wanting more. I left with a slight sadness yet I felt enlightened. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Germany's and the world's past.
S SultanMay 10, 2018
You can truly see the terror caused by the Nazis in 1930s and 1940s, not just against Jews but also gays, gypsies, German opposition and intellectuals who did not agree with SS or Hitler. You can feel for all those suffered from Berlin all the way to Russia. It is a reminder that conformism can be a dangerous thing, and how we shouldn't just ignore who comes to power. One part of the museum is outside, but the most of it is inside - all free of charge.
Deniz TurkmenJun 1, 2018
Heavy information alert! This museum has free entry and is very very informative. Take time to go through the exhibits and learn about the War. Many schools bring students here but there is enough space for everyone. The printed exhibits are accompanied by audio digital ones for a mix. I didn't have time to complete the whole place but maybe set aside an hour or two to take it all in.
Ali ChuaJun 18, 2018
This museum openly explains the horrors committed by the Nazis and Gestapo. Historically brilliant museum , full of educational material and displays. Guided tours of museum with historians can be booked and schools tours. Study rooms and lecture rooms available. Remains of Berlin wall part of museum.. recommended. Cafe on site.
John ReayJun 24, 2018
Solemn and enlightening at the same time. All info appears in German and English. Very nice, clean and well laid out design and form. Just sad content. Small cafe and WC available. You could spend hours here. Free. Worth the visit.
Lyl RoseJun 20, 2018
I highly recommend this museum if you're interested in WWII and the years before and after. There are loads of info, pictures, and old documents concerning this period of German history in this museum, as well as it being right next to the actual Berlin wall. And it's free. So if you're interested in this, then you can use hours here
Long LeeJul 3, 2018
Important place to visit. Really explains how nazi Germany came to be, but certainly doesn't justify it. Very tastefully done with exceptional imagery and media that is not often seen elsewhere. If it's a warm day get there early or use sun cream. Much of it is outside. It's free though and absolutely worth the visit.
Deborah HadleyJul 31, 2018
Couldn't believe something this well-done was free. Very informative and sobering. Educational. Lots of reading. Good amount of pictures as well though. Half outdoors, half indoors.
Zoe ZAug 11, 2018
Great arrangement, showing that the conclusion of the National Socialism was being a separated two Germanys. Indoor exhibition is very specific, and the one outdoors is a summary of the ones inside. The site is formerly a building of SS headquarters, and some signs also show that the point you are standing on was somewhere at the historical site. Free of charge for admission, very recommend.
Jason RossAug 14, 2018
You can easily spend hours going through all the exhibits. The collection of photographs, documents and literature transport you to those times. A very thoughtfully designed exhibition space, especially the walkway around the perimeter of the premises. I'd recommend going earlier in the morning to make the most of this experience as opposed to the more crowded hours closer to the afternoon.
nikita johnAug 2, 2018
Very important place. Used to be the Gestapo headquarters in Berlin. The exhibition inside is quite elaborate and breathtaking. The remnants of the original building outside are nothing less than chilling. Don’t miss it!
Noam WeinsteinAug 7, 2018
Moving and sensitively done. The event descriptions are written on blocks that hang from the ceiling. The swaying of the blocks while you're trying to read made me feel a bit queasy. Good tea selection in the cafe and good restrooms
Dave LewisMar 4, 2018
This is an amazing and moving place covering the period from the rise of the Nazis to the Nuremberg trials and beyond in great detail. Well thought-out and displayed. Not an easy visit but worthwhile and interesting. Housed on the site of Gestapo headquarters
Alison HaywardFeb 21, 2018
This is an incredibly engrossing presentation. I did not anticipate spending two hours here! It is a lot of reading (like all of it). With a few interactive bits. It is an in-depth exhibit of the various secret police agencies and how they came to be so powerful, as well as, what they did with that power. The organization and presentation of information is great. It describes the systematic way German officials in WWII murdered millions of people. Including the laws they passed to allow such actions and how they influenced the general publics views/awareness.
Candice KalbNov 30, 2017
Visiting Germany and especially Berlin without thinking about its history doesn't make sense for me. It is not about Germany in the end, but about us as humans. This exhibition tells about that. It is a map somehow, that shows the steps to totalitarianism, ignorance and crime. It is a lesson that shows how these things are always close to us. That does just happened in history. It stills happen, metamorphosed in many variations in different countries. Go there with time, read everything and think about yourself, your country, your political leaders. Then the objective of this exhibition will be achieved.
Renato KestenerDec 3, 2017
This was hard to find and since it was dark it was hard to locate but once we did we really enjoyed it. A lot of it was just information and a big timeline to walk through but there was good info an many pictures I had not seen before. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but we enjoyed it for the historical value. There was also a very good propaganda piece off to the side. My husband and I went well our children went and cruised the mall as it was Christmas and it was a little depressing for them. Everyone working there was very polite.
AurelyseJan 28, 2018
Great, nuanced exhibition on the inner workings of the Nazi regime. Some parts are difficult to stomach, but nevertheless very informative and interesting. Audio guide is recommended. Outside the building you'll see fragments of the Berlin Wall along with a short timeline depicting the rise of the Nazi party in open air. Overall great place to visit and well worth the high scoring.
Alexandru M. SimionApr 1, 2018
An absolute must visit. The amount of history located at just this place is intense. The museum does an amazing job of openly and respectfully presenting such a difficult, disgusting, tragic part of history. Truly an emotional but educational and important experience.. and it’s free!
michaelkim1981Mar 11, 2018
It's free, so that's a really good thing. It's nice to see the history of Berlin/Germany. There is a lot to read but there are also a lot of pictures. For kids it's not really recommend because it's only reading. Maybe I would go here again.
Jan OverbeekMar 10, 2018
Very interesting, lots of stuff to look at. Possibly worth 5 stars but I didn't get enough time to look around so I couldn't say
Zed PApr 4, 2018
I found this very interesting to visit in Berlin. I really liked that the same display can be viewed outdoors (we were blessed with the weather) and also indoors for use of the toilets. The information is facinating and I really admire the Germans no holes barred admission of the atrocities they facilitated in the past. A lot of countries could take the lead from Germany!
Claire HoldingApr 21, 2018
History and cool facts nicely presented. You can spend a lot of time reading or listening. For sure you'll gonna learn something new.
mihai curutiuMay 8, 2018
The Germans love for meticulous documentation is shown in this place. The history of how Hitler rose to power and the crimes he committed was well documented in this place. But there was too much to learn in few hours. If you are really interested in history I would recommend you spend atleast 4-5 hours in this place to grab atleast half of the information provided. I would recommend a guided tour if you love history and have very less time to spare in Berlin.
Keerthanaa BalasubramaniamApr 23, 2018
If you're interested in learning in great detail, this is a treasure trove of documentation. I would advise trying the audio guide - there's really little to see beyond a huge room of posters with a handful of photos and written explanations. I couldn't help but feel that a video documentary (or a handful) would be a perfectly good substitute.
Dave BarnettMay 24, 2018
This site was very Informative. You have to take your time to really go through everything. At times it can be a bit somber but educational.i am really glad I got the opportunity to visit this museum.
Deisha FlowersJun 3, 2018
A surreal experience, this exhibit starts off outdoors with the path to tyranny and continues indoors in an open space with a lot of information and interesting facts. There is an atmosphere of focused silence and you can feel the crowds absorbing the information and wanting more. I left with a slight sadness yet I felt enlightened. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Germany's and the world's past.
S SultanMay 10, 2018
You can truly see the terror caused by the Nazis in 1930s and 1940s, not just against Jews but also gays, gypsies, German opposition and intellectuals who did not agree with SS or Hitler. You can feel for all those suffered from Berlin all the way to Russia. It is a reminder that conformism can be a dangerous thing, and how we shouldn't just ignore who comes to power. One part of the museum is outside, but the most of it is inside - all free of charge.
Deniz TurkmenJun 1, 2018
Heavy information alert! This museum has free entry and is very very informative. Take time to go through the exhibits and learn about the War. Many schools bring students here but there is enough space for everyone. The printed exhibits are accompanied by audio digital ones for a mix. I didn't have time to complete the whole place but maybe set aside an hour or two to take it all in.
Ali ChuaJun 18, 2018
This museum openly explains the horrors committed by the Nazis and Gestapo. Historically brilliant museum , full of educational material and displays. Guided tours of museum with historians can be booked and schools tours. Study rooms and lecture rooms available. Remains of Berlin wall part of museum.. recommended. Cafe on site.
John ReayJun 24, 2018
Solemn and enlightening at the same time. All info appears in German and English. Very nice, clean and well laid out design and form. Just sad content. Small cafe and WC available. You could spend hours here. Free. Worth the visit.
Lyl RoseJun 20, 2018
I highly recommend this museum if you're interested in WWII and the years before and after. There are loads of info, pictures, and old documents concerning this period of German history in this museum, as well as it being right next to the actual Berlin wall. And it's free. So if you're interested in this, then you can use hours here
Long LeeJul 3, 2018
Important place to visit. Really explains how nazi Germany came to be, but certainly doesn't justify it. Very tastefully done with exceptional imagery and media that is not often seen elsewhere. If it's a warm day get there early or use sun cream. Much of it is outside. It's free though and absolutely worth the visit.
Deborah HadleyJul 31, 2018
Couldn't believe something this well-done was free. Very informative and sobering. Educational. Lots of reading. Good amount of pictures as well though. Half outdoors, half indoors.
Zoe ZAug 11, 2018
Great arrangement, showing that the conclusion of the National Socialism was being a separated two Germanys. Indoor exhibition is very specific, and the one outdoors is a summary of the ones inside. The site is formerly a building of SS headquarters, and some signs also show that the point you are standing on was somewhere at the historical site. Free of charge for admission, very recommend.
Jason RossAug 14, 2018
You can easily spend hours going through all the exhibits. The collection of photographs, documents and literature transport you to those times. A very thoughtfully designed exhibition space, especially the walkway around the perimeter of the premises. I'd recommend going earlier in the morning to make the most of this experience as opposed to the more crowded hours closer to the afternoon.
nikita johnAug 2, 2018
Very important place. Used to be the Gestapo headquarters in Berlin. The exhibition inside is quite elaborate and breathtaking. The remnants of the original building outside are nothing less than chilling. Don’t miss it!
Noam WeinsteinAug 7, 2018
Moving and sensitively done. The event descriptions are written on blocks that hang from the ceiling. The swaying of the blocks while you're trying to read made me feel a bit queasy. Good tea selection in the cafe and good restrooms
Dave LewisMar 4, 2018
This is an amazing and moving place covering the period from the rise of the Nazis to the Nuremberg trials and beyond in great detail. Well thought-out and displayed. Not an easy visit but worthwhile and interesting. Housed on the site of Gestapo headquarters
Alison HaywardFeb 21, 2018
This is an incredibly engrossing presentation. I did not anticipate spending two hours here! It is a lot of reading (like all of it). With a few interactive bits. It is an in-depth exhibit of the various secret police agencies and how they came to be so powerful, as well as, what they did with that power. The organization and presentation of information is great. It describes the systematic way German officials in WWII murdered millions of people. Including the laws they passed to allow such actions and how they influenced the general publics views/awareness.
Candice KalbNov 30, 2017
Visiting Germany and especially Berlin without thinking about its history doesn't make sense for me. It is not about Germany in the end, but about us as humans. This exhibition tells about that. It is a map somehow, that shows the steps to totalitarianism, ignorance and crime. It is a lesson that shows how these things are always close to us. That does just happened in history. It stills happen, metamorphosed in many variations in different countries. Go there with time, read everything and think about yourself, your country, your political leaders. Then the objective of this exhibition will be achieved.
Renato KestenerDec 3, 2017
This was hard to find and since it was dark it was hard to locate but once we did we really enjoyed it. A lot of it was just information and a big timeline to walk through but there was good info an many pictures I had not seen before. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but we enjoyed it for the historical value. There was also a very good propaganda piece off to the side. My husband and I went well our children went and cruised the mall as it was Christmas and it was a little depressing for them. Everyone working there was very polite.
AurelyseJan 28, 2018
Great, nuanced exhibition on the inner workings of the Nazi regime. Some parts are difficult to stomach, but nevertheless very informative and interesting. Audio guide is recommended. Outside the building you'll see fragments of the Berlin Wall along with a short timeline depicting the rise of the Nazi party in open air. Overall great place to visit and well worth the high scoring.
Alexandru M. SimionApr 1, 2018
An absolute must visit. The amount of history located at just this place is intense. The museum does an amazing job of openly and respectfully presenting such a difficult, disgusting, tragic part of history. Truly an emotional but educational and important experience.. and it’s free!
michaelkim1981Mar 11, 2018
It's free, so that's a really good thing. It's nice to see the history of Berlin/Germany. There is a lot to read but there are also a lot of pictures. For kids it's not really recommend because it's only reading. Maybe I would go here again.
Jan OverbeekMar 10, 2018
Very interesting, lots of stuff to look at. Possibly worth 5 stars but I didn't get enough time to look around so I couldn't say
Zed PApr 4, 2018
I found this very interesting to visit in Berlin. I really liked that the same display can be viewed outdoors (we were blessed with the weather) and also indoors for use of the toilets. The information is facinating and I really admire the Germans no holes barred admission of the atrocities they facilitated in the past. A lot of countries could take the lead from Germany!
Claire HoldingApr 21, 2018
History and cool facts nicely presented. You can spend a lot of time reading or listening. For sure you'll gonna learn something new.
mihai curutiuMay 8, 2018
The Germans love for meticulous documentation is shown in this place. The history of how Hitler rose to power and the crimes he committed was well documented in this place. But there was too much to learn in few hours. If you are really interested in history I would recommend you spend atleast 4-5 hours in this place to grab atleast half of the information provided. I would recommend a guided tour if you love history and have very less time to spare in Berlin.
Keerthanaa BalasubramaniamApr 23, 2018
If you're interested in learning in great detail, this is a treasure trove of documentation. I would advise trying the audio guide - there's really little to see beyond a huge room of posters with a handful of photos and written explanations. I couldn't help but feel that a video documentary (or a handful) would be a perfectly good substitute.
Dave BarnettMay 24, 2018
This site was very Informative. You have to take your time to really go through everything. At times it can be a bit somber but educational.i am really glad I got the opportunity to visit this museum.
Deisha FlowersJun 3, 2018
A surreal experience, this exhibit starts off outdoors with the path to tyranny and continues indoors in an open space with a lot of information and interesting facts. There is an atmosphere of focused silence and you can feel the crowds absorbing the information and wanting more. I left with a slight sadness yet I felt enlightened. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Germany's and the world's past.
S SultanMay 10, 2018
You can truly see the terror caused by the Nazis in 1930s and 1940s, not just against Jews but also gays, gypsies, German opposition and intellectuals who did not agree with SS or Hitler. You can feel for all those suffered from Berlin all the way to Russia. It is a reminder that conformism can be a dangerous thing, and how we shouldn't just ignore who comes to power. One part of the museum is outside, but the most of it is inside - all free of charge.
Deniz TurkmenJun 1, 2018
Heavy information alert! This museum has free entry and is very very informative. Take time to go through the exhibits and learn about the War. Many schools bring students here but there is enough space for everyone. The printed exhibits are accompanied by audio digital ones for a mix. I didn't have time to complete the whole place but maybe set aside an hour or two to take it all in.
Ali ChuaJun 18, 2018
This museum openly explains the horrors committed by the Nazis and Gestapo. Historically brilliant museum , full of educational material and displays. Guided tours of museum with historians can be booked and schools tours. Study rooms and lecture rooms available. Remains of Berlin wall part of museum.. recommended. Cafe on site.
John ReayJun 24, 2018
Solemn and enlightening at the same time. All info appears in German and English. Very nice, clean and well laid out design and form. Just sad content. Small cafe and WC available. You could spend hours here. Free. Worth the visit.
Lyl RoseJun 20, 2018
I highly recommend this museum if you're interested in WWII and the years before and after. There are loads of info, pictures, and old documents concerning this period of German history in this museum, as well as it being right next to the actual Berlin wall. And it's free. So if you're interested in this, then you can use hours here
Long LeeJul 3, 2018
Important place to visit. Really explains how nazi Germany came to be, but certainly doesn't justify it. Very tastefully done with exceptional imagery and media that is not often seen elsewhere. If it's a warm day get there early or use sun cream. Much of it is outside. It's free though and absolutely worth the visit.
Deborah HadleyJul 31, 2018
Couldn't believe something this well-done was free. Very informative and sobering. Educational. Lots of reading. Good amount of pictures as well though. Half outdoors, half indoors.
Zoe ZAug 11, 2018
Great arrangement, showing that the conclusion of the National Socialism was being a separated two Germanys. Indoor exhibition is very specific, and the one outdoors is a summary of the ones inside. The site is formerly a building of SS headquarters, and some signs also show that the point you are standing on was somewhere at the historical site. Free of charge for admission, very recommend.
Jason RossAug 14, 2018
You can easily spend hours going through all the exhibits. The collection of photographs, documents and literature transport you to those times. A very thoughtfully designed exhibition space, especially the walkway around the perimeter of the premises. I'd recommend going earlier in the morning to make the most of this experience as opposed to the more crowded hours closer to the afternoon.
nikita johnAug 2, 2018
Very important place. Used to be the Gestapo headquarters in Berlin. The exhibition inside is quite elaborate and breathtaking. The remnants of the original building outside are nothing less than chilling. Don’t miss it!
Noam WeinsteinAug 7, 2018
| 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 |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.