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The site of the main remand prison for people detained by the former East German Ministry of State Security (MfS) or 'Stasi' has been a Memorial since 1994 and, from 2000 onwards, has been an independent foundation under public law. The Berlin state government has fully funded the establishment of the Foundation. The Foundation's work is supported by an annual contribution from the federal government and the Berlin state government. Show more

The Memorial's charter specifically entrusts it with the task of researching the history of the Hohenschönhausen prison between 1945 and 1989, supplying information via exhibitions, events and publications, and encouraging a critical awareness of the methods and consequences of political persecution and suppression in the communist dictatorship. The former Stasi remand prison is also intended to provide insight into the workings of the GDR's political justice system.

Since the vast majority of the buildings, equipment and furniture have survived intact, the Memorial provides a very authentic representation of prison conditions in the GDR. The Memorial's location in the capital makes it the key site in Germany for victims of communist tyranny.

In 2017, more than 440,000 people visited the Memorial, over half of which were students. Tours of the prison are usually led by former inmates, who provide first-hand details on prison conditions and the interrogation methods employed by the GDR's Ministry of State Security (MfS).

More information about the memorial here.

Modell Sperrgebiet

Innenansicht Gefaengnisneubau

Neubau Ueberwachungsraum
Berlin Hohenschönhausen Memorial
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