The Documentation Centre

The Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion, Reconciliation was opened in June 2021 as a unique place of learning and remembrance on the topic of displacement, expulsion and forced migration, especially in the 20th century in Europe and beyond. The Federal Foundation for Displacement, Expulsion, Reconciliation is responsible for the documentation centre.

On more than 5,000 square metres, we offer a permanent exhibition, special exhibitions, educational and outreach programmes as well as events. The Documentation Centre houses a library & testimony archive. Learn more about our offers!

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Ausstellungsstücke
© Stiftung Flucht, Vertreibung, Versöhnung, Foto: Markus Gröteke

The Exhibition

On 1,500 square metres, the permanent exhibition focuses on forced migrations for political, ethnic and religious reasons, especially in the 20th century in Europe and beyond. The displacement and expulsion of Germans during and after the Second World War, which started in Germany, form a focal point of the presentation. On the ground floor, special exhibitions are regularly presented on an area of about 450 square metres.

Blick in den Lesesaal der Bibliothek
Blick in den Lesesaal© aatvos bv / Marco Heyda

Library & Testimony Archive

On the first floor of the Documentation Centre, we invite you to visit the scientific library and the archive with documents, escape reports and moving eyewitness interviews. There you can delve deeper into our topics and gain exciting insights into oral history and family research.

Briefe
© Stiftung Flucht, Vertreibung, Versöhnung, Foto: Markus Gröteke

Education & Outreach

We offer a wide range of educational programmes for schoolchildren, young people, visitor groups, teachers and students. You can expect multi-perspective educational formats such as guided tours, workshops and further training, teaching materials for preparation and follow-up as well as inclusive offers.

Raum der stille
Der Raum der Stille nach einem Entwurf von Königs Architekten aus Köln© Stiftung Flucht, Vertreibung, Versöhnung, Foto: Markus Gröteke

Room of Stillness

The sculpturally designed room on the ground floor of the Documentation Centre encourages you to pause and reflect.

 

Unser Angebot

For contemporary witnesses and their descendants

Guided tours on the topic of displacement and expulsion with a thematic or geographical focus, events, introduction to family research and Oral History.

For Pupils and Young People

Action-oriented guided tours of the exhibition and workshops on subject areas, discussions with contemporary witnesses.

Residents

Public and group tours, events.

For teachers and trainee teachers

Digital media for the preparation and follow-up of workshops and guided tours, training courses and seminars.

For tourists and international guests

Regular public tours in German and English as well as themed tours in various languages.

For Scientists and Researchers

Events and conferences on our topics, diverse research options in the scientific library and the testimony archive as well as digital access to holdings and databases of other institutions.