Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism. A place of historical and political learning for the future

A project of the City of Munich in association with the Free State of Bavaria and with the Federal German government

In April 2008 the Munich City Council gave the go-ahead for the competitive tender of architecture concepts and thus for the realisation of the Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism. More than sixty years after the end of the Second World War, the Centre is now finally taking shape – in part thanks to the keen support of the general public.

The way the Nazi era is related to is now marked by a free and open debate about the role Munich played in the rise of the NSDAP and the seizure of power by the Nazi terror regime. A new way has developed of dealing with Germany’s desertion of civilized norms. Nowadays, pro-active commemoration involves a critical approach to and a frank discussion of the history of National Socialism, and includes a look at the teaching of civics and human rights in a way that is relevant to the present and the future.

Along with the Free State of Bavaria and with the Federal German government, the City of Munich is meeting its responsibility, in the shape of the Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism, to create a place of learning for the future. This place is intended to embed memories of the Nazi era topographically into the city and at the same time offer scope for discussion and better understanding of Munich’s significance and function as the one-time 'Capital of the Movement’.

It is for society as a whole to show future generations that democracy and tolerance cannot be taken for granted, but have to be constantly secured and shaped anew. The Munich Documentation and Education Centre for the History of National Socialism is intended to make a major contribution to accomplishing this.