Anti-Kriegs-Museum

About the museum

In 1925 the writer and pacifist Ernst Friedrich opened the world's first museum against war on Parochialstraße near Alexanderplatz. It was preceded by his photo book “Krieg dem Kriege” (War Against War), which used unsparing photographs of mutilated soldiers to show the consequences of World War I and became one of the most widely circulated pacifist books in Europe. The museum was aimed above all at young people and was meant to counter the glorification of war.

After numerous trials against Friedrich, the SA plundered the building in March 1933 and used it as a local headquarters. Friedrich fled abroad with his family; a museum he rebuilt in Brussels was destroyed after the German occupation in 1940. A memorial plaque now marks the original location.

On May 2, 1982, fifteen years after Friedrich's death, his grandson Tommy Spree re-founded the museum with volunteers, initially in Kreuzberg; since 1984 it has been located on Brüsseler Straße in Wedding. The nonprofit museum is funded mainly by donations.

The permanent exhibition shows photos, documents and objects from both world wars, introduces figures from the peace movement and offers food for thought on current conflicts. In the cellar, an air-raid shelter from World War II can be visited. Since 1998 the affiliated Peace Gallery has shown changing art exhibitions on war and peace.

Highlights

• History of the world's first anti-war museum, founded in 1925
• Ernst Friedrich's photo documentation “Krieg dem Kriege”
• Original preserved air-raid shelter from World War II
• Peace Gallery with changing art exhibitions
• Sculpture “Das Gewehr zerbrechen” (Breaking the Rifle) in front of the building

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zu Krieg und Frieden – Photos, documents and objects from both world wars, portraits of peace activists and references to current crisis regions.
• Luftschutzkeller – An air-raid shelter from World War II preserved in its original state, with everyday objects such as a Volksempfänger radio and a gas mask.

Founded

1925

Operated by

Anti-Kriegs-Museum (gemeinnützig, ehrenamtlich)

Director

Tommy Spree

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; the museum is funded mainly by donations.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 13+

Because of the sensitive subject and disturbing images, the museum advises against visits with children under 13.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit