The Documentation Center sits in the north wing of the unfinished Congress Hall, on the grounds where the Nazi Party held its rallies from 1933 to 1938. Its permanent exhibition, Fascination and Terror, covers the causes, connections and consequences of Nazi rule in Germany, from Hitler's rise to power to the use of propaganda. The exhibition fills about 1,300 square meters, and the entrance building was designed by Austrian architect Günther Domenig. Admission includes an audio guide. Pair the visit with a walk to Zeppelin Field, where the largest rallies were held.
The Rally Grounds before the museum
Nuremberg was chosen as the site of the Nazi Party's mass rallies from 1933 to 1938. The party picked the city before it took power, because of its central location in Germany and its strong support base in Franconia.
The Nuremberg Laws were passed in the city, and the propaganda paper Der Stürmer was published here. Hitler and architect Albert Speer planned the grounds in a stark, huge, Neoclassical style. Only a few of the plans were finished before the war broke out. The Congress Hall was part of an unrealized master plan for the city and remains unfinished. Zeppelin Field, with its grandstand, was completed.
Inside the exhibition
The permanent exhibition, Fascination and Terror, is set in the north wing of the Congress Hall. It covers the political, social and architectural history of the Nazi Party, including the unstable years after World War I and the end of the Weimar Republic. Displays explain how films, mass events and staged architecture were used to win support.
Many displays give personal stories from people who lived through the period. The exhibition is largely text and reading panels, with few physical objects, so the audio guide helps fill in the context. The audio guide is available in seven languages, including English.
The grounds and Zeppelin Field
Zeppelin Field lies about a 15-minute walk from the museum, around the Grosser Dutzendteich lake. Its grandstand and stone steps look down over the grounds where the rallies took place.
The former rally area now includes lakes, parks, a stadium, an ice hockey arena and a race track. Zeppelin Field also hosts large pop and rock concerts and festivals.
Getting there and on-site facilities
The museum is a short distance from the city center and can be reached by tram or bus. Free and paid parking lots are available, along with paid street parking.
There is a cafe and restrooms on site. The entrance, elevator and restroom are wheelchair accessible, and so is a parking lot. Parts of the museum are closed during the renovation.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the museum charges admission. The current price is listed on the museum's website.
Is an audio guide included?
Yes, admission includes an audio guide, available in seven languages including English.
How long do you need?
Plan about 45 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much of the exhibition you want to read.
Do you need tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, elevator and restroom are wheelchair accessible, and so is a parking lot. Parts of the museum are closed during the renovation.
