In the 90-minute tour of the memorial site, visitors learn about the historic location and its past. They can see traces of the different periods of the site’s use as a prison and learn why people were sentenced and detained here between 1933 and 1989. By presenting the story of the site in its historical context, the tour gives an overview of political and racial persecution in Germany in the 20th century.
Duration: 1.5 hours (recommended from the age of 15)
National Socialism tour
Visitors are first given an overview of the history of the site. This is followed by a tour of the permanent exhibition, which goes into greater detail on how the building complex was used during the National Socialist era. For example, you will learn about the role of the hereditary health court, how the enforced compliance of the judiciary impacted on the Potsdam local court in Lindenstrasse, and how it came about that people sentenced by the People’s Court (Volksgerichtshof) also ended up in the court prison in Lindenstrasse.
Duration: 1.5 hours (recommended from the age of 15)
NKWD, Stasi and the Peaceful Revolution tour
After a brief introduction to the history of Lindenstrasse 54/55, the tour focuses on the use of the building complex between 1945 and 1990. Visitors gain insights into the detention and interrogation practices employed by the Soviet secret police (NKWD/MGB). They also learn who the Stasi (East German state security service) regarded as enemies of the state and how prisoners were subjected to psychological pressure. The period of transition in 1989/90 is also dealt with. During this time, the prison became a house of democracy that was used by civic initiatives and political parties as they prepared for the first free elections in the German Democratic Republic.
Duration: 1.5 hours (recommended from the age of 15)
Individual thematic tours
In addition to the standard programmes, you can also book tours that focus on specific themes. Please state your request when booking, and we will get in touch with you.