Top Things To Do In NS Documentation Center (Cologne) In 2026 - 2027

Top 10 things to do in NS Documentation Center

1. 1. Guided Tour of the Permanent Exhibition

   Explore the history of National Socialism in an in-depth guided tour of the NS Documentation Center's permanent exhibition. Located in the EL-DE Haus, which was once the headquarters of the Gestapo, this tour takes visitors through various thematic areas that explore the mechanisms of dictatorship and how it affected the city of Cologne and its citizens. The tour includes a visit to the preserved Gestapo prison cells, where visitors can see inscriptions left by prisoners, providing a poignant reminder of the human cost of the regime. The exhibition also utilizes historical documents, photographs, and personal testimonies to provide an immersive and educational experience.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: €9 per person

2. 2. Educational Workshop: Resistance and Persecution

   This workshop is designed for school groups and educators to deepen their understanding of the concepts of resistance and persecution during the National Socialist era. Participants will engage with primary source materials, including documents, letters, and photographs from the NS Documentation Center's archive, to examine individual and collective acts of resistance in Cologne and the consequences faced by those who challenged the regime. The workshop features group discussions and activities, encouraging critical thinking and reflection on the moral choices individuals had to make under oppressive circumstances. It also includes a short guided tour of relevant sections of the permanent exhibition.

   Duration: 3 hours · Price: €7 per student, teachers free

3. 3. Lecture Series: The Holocaust and Memory Culture

   The NS Documentation Center's lecture series offers visitors the opportunity to hear from renowned historians, scholars, and educators on topics related to the Holocaust and the culture of remembrance in Germany and Europe. These lectures delve into various aspects of National Socialist history, the genocide of European Jews, Roma, and other victim groups, as well as the ongoing efforts to preserve memory and educate future generations. The talks are typically accompanied by visual aids and sometimes include discussions or Q&A sessions, providing a platform for dialogue and further learning.

   Duration: 1.5 hours · Price: €6 per person, free for members

4. 4. Time Witnesses: Personal Histories from the Era

   The NS Documentation Center occasionally invites time witnesses—individuals who lived through the National Socialist period—to share their personal stories with visitors. These events offer a rare and invaluable perspective into life under the regime, survival, and resistance. Attendees get the chance to listen to firsthand accounts of historical events, ask questions, and engage in conversations with those who witnessed history. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the personal narratives that shaped the collective memory of the era and to understand the human impacts beyond textbooks and exhibits.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: €10 per person

5. 5. Special Exhibition Tour

   The NS Documentation Center hosts special exhibitions throughout the year that focus on specific themes related to the National Socialist era, such as propaganda, the role of women, youth in the Hitler Youth, or the war on the Eastern Front. These temporary exhibitions provide a focused look at lesser-known aspects of the period and offer fresh perspectives on well-established narratives. A guided tour of a special exhibition includes commentary by knowledgeable staff, providing context and answering questions. Visitors can expect a comprehensive and engaging experience that complements the permanent collection.

   Duration: 1.5 hours · Price: €8 per person, includes admission to permanent exhibition

6. 6. Film Screenings

   The NS Documentation Center runs a series of film screenings that present historical films, documentaries, and contemporary works dealing with the Third Reich and its aftermath. These screenings are often curated to align with specific themes or anniversaries and are sometimes followed by discussions with filmmakers, historians, or experts on the subject matter. These events serve as an important medium to experience the representation of National Socialist history in cinema and to discuss the challenges of portraying such a complex and emotive period on screen.

   Duration: Varies · Price: €5 per person

7. 7. Family Day

   Family Day at the NS Documentation Center provides an opportunity for younger visitors and their families to learn about the history in an age-appropriate manner. The day features special guided tours, interactive workshops, and educational games that are designed to facilitate conversations between generations. Facilitators guide children and adults alike through the exhibitions, focusing on stories of young people during the era and encouraging critical thinking and empathy. It's an excellent way to introduce complex historical topics to children in a way that is both informative and sensitive.

   Duration: Full day with varying activities · Price: €5 per child, €7 per adult, family discounts available

8. 8. Teacher Training Programs

   Teacher training programs at the NS Documentation Center are geared towards educators looking to sharpen their pedagogical skills regarding the teaching of National Socialist history. These programs consist of seminars, workshops, and guided tours, offering teachers innovative tools, resources, and methodologies to engage students with this challenging subject matter. Participants discuss how to approach sensitive topics, counteract historical revisionism, and foster a culture of remembrance in the classroom. They also have the opportunity to network with fellow educators and subject matter experts.

   Duration: Varies · Price: Free for teachers, registration required

9. 9. Night of Museums

   Participating in Cologne's annual Night of Museums, the NS Documentation Center extends its hours into the evening and night, offering unique programs that may include candlelit tours, special performances, or themed events that illuminate the history in different ways. It's a special occasion that often attracts a broader audience and provides an atmospheric experience of the museum space. Visitors can explore the exhibitions at their own pace or join one of the many special programs running throughout the night.

   Duration: Event-specific · Price: €15 for a Night of Museums ticket, granting access to multiple museums in Cologne

10. 10. Commemorative Events

    The NS Documentation Center holds commemorative events on significant anniversaries related to the National Socialist era. These events may include ceremonies, minute silences, lectures, and educational programs to honor the memory of victims and to reflect on the lessons of history. The center collaborates with survivors' associations, local communities, and international organizations to ensure these events are respectful and meaningful. Participation gives visitors the chance to join in collective remembrance and to understand the ongoing relevance of the history commemorated by the center.

    Duration: Event-specific · Price: Mostly free, some events may require a small fee