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Germany Berlin Berlin Museum

Hohenschönhausen Memorial

Hohenschönhausen Memorial
About

The Hohenschönhausen Memorial in Berlin stands on the site of a former Stasi prison, offering a powerful and sobering insight into political persecution in East Germany. From 1951 to 1989, this secret detention center was operated by the Ministry for State Security (Stasi), where thousands of people—often arrested for political reasons—were interrogated and held in isolation. The prison’s existence was not publicly acknowledged during the GDR era, and its location was deliberately left off maps. Today, the memorial serves as a stark reminder of the human rights abuses committed under the East German regime. Former inmates often lead the guided tours, providing deeply personal accounts of psychological and physical torture. The preserved cells, interrogation rooms, and surveillance facilities allow visitors to grasp the oppressive atmosphere that once dominated the site. Beyond its historical significance, the memorial plays a vital educational role, encouraging reflection on dictatorship, resistance, and the value of democracy in contemporary society.

Berlin Germany
Location

The Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial is located at Lichtenauer Str. 18A, 13055 Berlin, Germany, in the north-eastern Lichtenberg district. This site was once the main political prison of the East German Stasi, and today it serves as a museum and memorial dedicated to the victims of political persecution in the GDR. Visitors can explore preserved prison cells and interrogation rooms, gaining insight into the oppressive tactics used by the Stasi. Nearby, the Sowjetisches Ehrenmal Alt-Hohenschönhausen stands as a Soviet war memorial, commemorating fallen soldiers. The area also offers access to historical sites such as the Ephraim-Palais, which showcases Berlin’s artistic and cultural history. The memorial itself provides guided tours, often led by former inmates, offering firsthand accounts of life within the prison.

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