Topography of Terror

History: The Topography of Terror is built on the same site as the Nazi Schutzstaffel (SS) and Gestapo headquarters.

An image of the former SS and Gestapo Headquarters.

Allied bombing ruined the site, and the Berlin Wall was built beside it from 1961 to 1989. It was left alone until an exhibition in 1987, when its historical significance was revealed. The Topography of Terror Foundation built the Documentation Centre in 1992 on the same site, featuring multiple exhibitions on the Nazi’s horrific actions. The Topography of Terror is meant to educate visitors about the atrocities of the Nazi regime, the victims, and the perpetrators. The Topography of Terror’s architect is Ursula Williams, and she designed the Documentation Centre and the surrounding landscape. Today, it’s a grave reminder of what the Nazis did. The site is maintained by the Topography of Terror Foundation and is free of charge to enter. However, the foundation encourages donations.

The Topography of Terror viewed from above.

My Visit: When I arrived at the Topography of Terror, I first walked the long, outside exhibition.

The exhibition at Topography of Terror

This exhibition detailed the rise and fall of Hitler and his Nazi Regime, their atrocities, and the events of the Second World War. Next, I headed to the Documentation Centre. The Centre provides more information about the several horrific laws and orders executed at the site. It also provides more information about the rise of the Nazi regime. At the Topography of Terror, I felt extremely solemn, as I realized I was standing on a site where horrific orders were executed in the past. After the Topography of Terror, I walked to the Memorial of the Murdered Jews.

Photo Gallery:

A photo of one of the exhibits.

The museum at Topography of Terror.

Another one of the exhibits at the Topography of Terror.

A timeline of events of Nazi Germany.

The outdoor exhibit viewed from a different angle.