See & do · Museums
Haus der Geschichte
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Museum of modern German history, including some documents that belonged to Oskar Schindler.via Google
An immersive, highly interactive museum detailing German history from 1945 to the present day.
- Good to know
- Free entry; allow at least 3 hours to explore.
Reviews from Google
HIGHLY RECOMMEND - one of tje best museums I've ever been to. Story of Germany from 1945 until today - comparing different aspects in both East and West Germany. And it's for free!
Very informative and full of interactive tools to explore more about the history of Germany. However, two minus points for me: a) no ventilation inside and b) there has been a tank and an old car in the google pics but we were said that they were removed.
The new permanent exhibition traces Germany’s journey since 1945, and it does so in a way that feels anything but dry. Right at the entrance, visitors become part of a powerful media installation, blending their own silhouettes with historic moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall. You feel involved from the very first second. Instead of focusing only on politics or major events, the exhibition highlights people and their stories. Contemporary witnesses share experiences of courage, loss, hope, and new beginnings. More than 3,800 objects — from a self-built escape aircraft to a treehouse from the environmental movement — bring these stories vividly to life. A standout highlight is the original 1949 Basic Law, paired with the interactive “Your Fundamental Rights” trail, showing how hard-won these freedoms truly are. Families with young children can easily explore history through hands-on stations along a dedicated family path. The journey ends in the “Today” section, where current issues and debates take center stage. On the Voting Island, visitors can make their own views visible and literally become part of the exhibition. In short: a modern, moving, and highly engaging time travel experience that makes history tangible. Highly recommended!
For understanding modern German history in Bonn, I think this is a great place; it presents the period from post-war years up to reunification in a clear, chronological way, plus it’s free to visit and very easy to reach. Unfortunately, when we went, the permanent exhibition was under renovation, so we couldn’t see the main display and only visited the temporary exhibitions. Still, the atmosphere and overall organization were nice; for those planning a visit, I’d recommend checking on the official website in advance to see whether the permanent exhibition is open.
One of the more impressive national history museums in Europe, and free to get into. The permanent exhibitions do two things particularly well. First, they confront Germany’s Second World War past head-on. There’s no attempt to dilute responsibility or soften conclusions. Second, the broader historical narrative takes you through modern German history: the division of East and West, life on both sides of the Wall, reunification, and the realities of the contemporary Federal Republic. What stands out is how openly Germany has chosen to deal with its own history. Many countries prefer myth-making, selective memory, or quiet omission. Here, the approach is honest. Practically speaking, the museum is well signposted in English, making it accessible for non-German speakers. There’s a café on site, and the obligatory gift shop. Opening days can vary, generally later in the week, weekends, and holidays, so it’s worth checking ahead