The House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany is a museum on Willy-Brandt-Allee in Bonn, covering German history from 1945 to the present day. Its permanent exhibition sets East and West Germany side by side, so you can compare daily life, politics and culture on both sides of the Wall. Pieces of the Berlin Wall, Cold War border barriers and a Chancellor's train carriage are among the objects on display. Interactive stations let you explore each period at your own pace.
Where the museum is
The museum is on Willy-Brandt-Allee, in Bonn's former government quarter. Bonn was the federal capital from 1949 to 1990. The area held the former Federal Chancellery offices in Palais Schaumburg and the official seat and residence of the Federal President, Villa Hammerschmidt.
The museum opened in 1994 on Bonn's museum mile, a row of cultural institutions in the city.
What the permanent exhibition covers
The permanent exhibition runs from the end of the Second World War to the fall of the Iron Curtain and reunification, then continues to today's Federal Republic. It compares life in the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic through photographs, films, sound recordings and artifacts.
The display covers political, economic, social, cultural and everyday history. It addresses Germany's Second World War past directly, and it places German events within wider European history.
Objects on display
Among the objects are a 1948 Berlin Airlift plane, Cold War border barriers, protest banners, everyday items from divided Germany and pieces of the Berlin Wall. Other highlights include the Chancellor's train carriage, a vintage cinema from the 1950s, Honecker's arrest warrant and the first Green Card issued to a foreign IT specialist.
Visiting with children and access needs
Families will find hands-on stations and interactive displays throughout the museum. Changing tables are available. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Signage is in English throughout, so visitors who do not speak German can follow the exhibits. The museum has a café and a restaurant on site. Temporary exhibitions and events run alongside the permanent display. Café prices are on the higher side, so plan your meal accordingly.
FAQ
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended, so book before you travel.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Hands-on stations and interactive displays are aimed at families, and the content suits older children.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Is there English information?
Signage is in English throughout the museum.
