Your visit
Opening hours
Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Address
Memorial and Educational Site
House of the Wannsee Conference
Am Grossen Wannsee 56-58
14109 Berlin
Comparative Questions
What narrative is offered to the visitors?
The memorial narrates the systematic process that led to the Holocaust, with a particular focus on the Wannsee Conference held on January 20, 1942. In this conference, high-ranking Nazi officials met to organize and plan the „Final Solution to the Jewish Question,“ which was the genocide of the Jews in Europe.
The exhibition presents this historical context and focuses on the events that led to the Holocaust. A central part of the exhibition is a reconstruction of the conference room, including the minutes, and photographs of the involved civil servants and SS officers. The rest of the exhibition chronicles the atrocities of the Holocaust, from the deportations to the executions in the concentration camps.
Through this presentation, the memorial provides a deep understanding of the bureaucratic planning of the Holocaust and emphasizes the importance of remembering and commemorating the victims. It shows how decisions and actions by government officials and military personnel led to one of the greatest tragedies in human history.
Is there a person or a group, the narrative is centered around?
In the „House of the Wannsee Conference“ memorial site, the narrative primarily revolves around the group of high-ranking Nazi officials and SS officers who participated in the Wannsee Conference. These individuals gathered to organize and plan the „Final Solution to the Jewish Question.“ The narrative focuses on the bureaucratic and organizational aspects of this planning. While the exhibition highlights the perpetrators, it also addresses the fates of the Holocaust victims. Men, women, and children who fell victim to these atrocities are an essential part of the narrative, illustrating the extent of the genocide.
Are pictures or images important in the construction of the museum narrative?
The “House of the Wannsee Conference” memorial site, is a well-preserved villa with no visible traces of its historical use, so images are an indispensable medium for telling the story of the place. They provide essential contextualization by showing how the building was used in the past, thus establishing a connection between the physical location and its historical significance. Particularly in depicting the perpetrators, who planned the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” at the Wannsee Conference, images are crucial. They offer insights into the individuals behind the decisions and help visitors understand the dimensions of human failure that led to such atrocities.
At the same time, images are essential for telling the stories and fates of the victims. Photographs, personal belongings, or documents give the victims a face and an identity, which is crucial for understanding and commemorating. Moreover, images have the power to evoke emotional responses and empathy among visitors. They make the tragic events of the Holocaust more tangible and personal, which is particularly effective in the memorial site for conveying the impact of this dark era on real people.
Are there objects, documents or testimonies?
In the “House of the Wannsee Conference” memorial site, no physical objects from the time of the conference are displayed, but it offers a significant collection of documents and testimonies that are essential for understanding this historical event. A central document is the facsimile of the protocol of the Wannsee Conference. This protocol is particularly important as it is the only surviving document that provides a comprehensive overview of the discussions and decisions of the conference participants. The fact that only one copy of this protocol was not destroyed highlights its uniqueness and historical significance.
In addition to displaying the protocol, the memorial site presents various correspondences related to the conference. For example, this includes the invitation to the conference, interestingly linked with a breakfast. These documents provide insight into the organizational aspects of the conference and help to understand the formal yet disturbingly mundane nature of the event.
Besides these documents, the memorial site also offers various testimonies. These include videos of contemporary witnesses and various reports, not only from victims and perpetrators, but also from activists who advocated for the establishment of the memorial. These testimonies are invaluable, as they provide personal perspectives and experiences often missing in historical documents. They enable visitors to develop a more profound understanding of the events and the people involved.
What kind of knowledge is imparted?
The „House of the Wannsee Conference“ imparts comprehensive knowledge essential for understanding the Holocaust and the role of the Wannsee Conference in this context. Visitors gain insights into the historical background of the conference, which took place on January 20, 1942, learning about the political and social situation in Germany and Europe during the Nazi era. The exhibition clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Nazi officials involved in the conference, showing how bureaucratic processes and state structures were used to carry out the Holocaust. An important aspect of the memorial site is the portrayal of the victims‘ fates. Through personal testimonies, photographs, and documents, the stories and suffering of the Holocaust victims are vividly presented, humanizing the historical events.
Furthermore, the memorial site encourages reflection on the moral, ethical, and societal lessons from the history of the Holocaust. It invites contemplation on issues such as human rights, tolerance, and the significance of remembering and commemorating. The importance of a culture of remembrance is emphasized, heightening awareness of the dangers of racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of discrimination.
Further Questions
What kind of experience is offered?
A visit to the „House of the Wannsee Conference“ memorial site offers a multi-faceted and profound experience, focusing on historical learning, personal stories, reflection, and visual impressions. The exhibition provides comprehensive information about the Wannsee Conference and its crucial role in the Holocaust. Visitors can view the conference’s protocol and other historical documents, offering insights into the planning and execution of the genocide against the Jews.
This historical knowledge is complemented by personal testimonies, photographs, and documents of victims, survivors, and perpetrators, shedding light on the individual fates behind the historical events. These personal stories give a face to the facts and allow a deeper understanding of the human dimension of this tragedy.
A visit to the villa, where once decisions with far-reaching and devastating consequences were made, prompts reflection. The atmosphere of the place, combined with the content displayed, enhances the understanding of the banality of evil and the necessity of remembering the past. The visual and spatial impressions of the villa and its surroundings leave a strong impact. The fact that such horrific decisions were made in a seemingly normal and elegant environment is a disturbing contrast that profoundly affects visitors.
A particularly notable aspect of the new exhibition is its inclusive approach. Special care was taken to make the exhibition accessible to all visitors. This inclusive approach underscores the memorial’s commitment to making education and enlightenment accessible to everyone, and is an impressive example of how history can be made tangible for all.
Overall, a visit to the „House of the Wannsee Conference“ memorial site offers an unusual and impactful experience. It is an opportunity to understand history, to reflect, and to appreciate the importance of tolerance and human rights in today’s world.
Is there a person or a group that the museum is addressing?
The “House of the Wannsee Conference” Memorial is aimed at a wide audience, including historians, students, school classes and the public interested in the history of National Socialism and the Holocaust.