18 September 2025 - 1 March 2026

WE … TOGETHER

acting. democratically. together.

Voting, demonstrating and becoming politically active … all these are integral parts of our democracy. But where do we experience democracy in everyday life? And how can we actively shape it?

9 October 2025 - 4 January 2026

The Disavowed

Victims of National Socialism 1933 – 1945 – Today

This is an exhibition about people persecuted under National Socialism as „asocials“ and „career criminals“. Here, their experiences are at the forefront. Between 1933 and 1945 the German authorities and police acted on prejudices inherent in society. They subjected people to surveillance and harassment and robbed tens of thousands of their freedom. Many were murdered. West Germany, East Germany and Austria refused to grant them compensation. Politicians and society denied recognition of the suffering and injustice they had endured.

PREVIEW: from 21 January 2026

Intervention!

How do we tell the history of National Socialism today?

Since the opening of the permanent exhibition at the NS-DOK in 1997, three decades have passed. Knowledge of Nazi history has evolved and expectations of a visit to an exhibition have changed. Therefore an intervention will comment on forms of presentation presentation that can be viewed critically today. Together with the visitors, more general questions about exhibiting Nazi history will be discussed.

 

permanent exhibition

The permanent exhibition in the NS-Documentation Centre on the first and second floor provides comprehensive insights into the history of Cologne under National Socialism. In the "Gestapo Prison Memorial" in the basement of the building, numerous wall inscriptions by prisoners have been preserved.

Temporary exhibitions archive

You will find exhibitions and topics that have been on display in the NS-Documentation Centre in the past here.

Temporary exhibitions archive

Guided tours

Plan your visit