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Lindenstraße Memorial Foundation

About

The Lindenstraße Memorial Foundation in Potsdam preserves a powerful site of remembrance, housed in a former courthouse and prison that witnessed political persecution across three German regimes. Located at Lindenstraße 54/55, the building served as a Nazi prison and Hereditary Health Court from 1933 to 1945, a Soviet secret police detention center from 1945 to 1952, and a Stasi remand prison until 1989. After the Peaceful Revolution, it became a symbol of democratic renewal, hosting civic initiatives and political movements. Today, the memorial documents the continuity and transformation of state repression in the 20th century. Its permanent exhibition spans four historical phases, combining original prison cells, personal testimonies, and multimedia installations to explore the fates of those imprisoned for their beliefs. The foundation also organizes educational programs, guided tours, and public events that foster critical reflection on justice, human rights, and the resilience of civil society. As a place of memory and learning, it underscores the importance of confronting the past to safeguard democracy.

Potsdam Germany
Lindenstraße Memorial Foundation
Location

The Lindenstraße Memorial Foundation is located at Lindenstraße 54/55 in the city center of Potsdam. Set within a historic prison and courthouse complex, the site documents over five decades of political persecution under the Nazi regime, Soviet secret police, and the East German Stasi. Today, it stands as a memorial and educational center symbolizing the triumph of democracy following the Peaceful Revolution of 1989/90. The building, often called the “Lindenhotel,” maintains original cells and courtroom spaces, offering powerful insight into the city’s turbulent past. Its central location places it within walking distance of Sanssouci Park, St. Nicholas’ Church, the Potsdam Museum, and the Dutch Quarter. Nearby, visitors can also explore the Old Market Square and Nauener Tor, surrounded by cafés and historic lanes that reflect Potsdam’s architectural and civic heritage.​

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