DEUTSCHES HISTORISCHES MUSEUM

This museum of German history is housed in a building that is itself highly historic: the Zeughaus (Arsenal), initiated by Friedrich II in 1695, which is the oldest building in Unter den Linden and one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in all of Germany. On 10,000 square metres and two floors, German history has been traced back to the 9th century through political, social and economic themes. The principle of the exhibition is to place German history in a European and global perspective - visitors will also enjoy discovering the museum's rich collection of books, armour and other items.

On the first floor, the visit begins with a video projected on the wall: it is a map of Europe where one can follow, century after century, the changes in the borders of the different political entities. The most beautiful piece in this part of the exhibition is the famous painting of Charlemagne by Dürer. Then you will discover the time of the Reformation, with the first printing works, pamphlets and caricatures. After that, you will plunge into the traumatic period of the Thirty Years' War and the Age of Enlightenment. Understand how the Napoleonic Wars gave rise to German national feeling, while admiring the splendid, well-preserved dresses of the time. Thanks to the numerous paintings and the first photos, you will be able to relive the greatest moments of the unification of Germany by Bismarck and marvel at the megalomaniacal dreams of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

The rest of the exhibition on the ground floor is devoted to the 20th century, starting with the Weimar Republic and the fierce struggle between the parties, which is represented by the political posters of the time. Then comes January 1933 and the advent of Nazi terror. The part of the exhibition devoted to the dictatorship and the Second World War is most appalling and ends in the post-war ruins and the partition of Germany. Thanks to the first television sets and Volkswagen cars, you will witness the economic miracle of the 1950s and the social movements of 1968. And, finally, at the end of the road, reunification, as the (provisional) end of a heavy, rich, exciting history. Naturally, you should allow plenty of time for this visit.

Also to be seen: the wing designed by I. M. Pei, the architect of the Pyramid of the Louvre, and which houses the temporary exhibitions.