Gedenkausstellung Kriegsgefangenenlager Hoffnungsthal
Permanent exhibition of the Geschichtsverein Rösrath on the Hoffnungsthal prisoner-of-war camp (1940–1945), on the grounds of the Diakonie Michaelshoven educational centre in the Wahner Heide; visits by guided tour only.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
On the grounds of today's Stephansheide youth village in the Wahner Heide, the Wehrmacht operated a prisoner-of-war camp from 1940 to 1945, officially work detachment 281 of the Wahn training ground. At first it held French soldiers; from May 1941 on, about 1,200 Poles were held there. In total, the prisoners came from at least eleven countries. After the camp was liberated, the barracks were briefly used for other purposes. In 1950 a children's village was established there, which today belongs to the Diakonie Michaelshoven. Some camp buildings have survived and are protected as historic monuments.
The Geschichtsverein Rösrath, founded in 1978, researched the history of the camp and, with the help of former Polish prisoners of war, created a memorial exhibition that opened in 1993. It shows models of the camp and of a prisoners' barracks, photographs of camp inmates, eyewitness accounts, maps of the prisoners' work assignments, and lists of those who died in captivity. The exhibition is located on the grounds of the Pädagogisches Zentrum für Kinder und Jugendliche of the Diakonie Michaelshoven and is supplemented by objects from the centre. Volunteers from the association guide visiting groups through the exhibition and discuss the background of the Nazi era with them.
Key themes
- Model of the camp and of a prisoners' barracks
- Photographs taken by the inmates themselves
- Eyewitness accounts from former prisoners
- Maps of work assignments and lists of the dead
- Surviving camp buildings on the site (listed historic monument)
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Geschichtsverein Rösrath e.V.
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Not wheelchair-accessible: two steps with a sturdy handrail lead to the entrance.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 10+
Families are welcome; children should be at least 10 years old.
Getting there & parking
The exhibition is located on the grounds of the Pädagogisches Zentrum für Kinder und Jugendliche of the Diakonie Michaelshoven (Stephansheide).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
No catering.
Events & venue rental
As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.
No venue hire and no other events.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Register for guided tours by email at info@karo-labcon.de or by telephone on 0173 6531596 (supervising association member). A tour lasts about two hours; tours are also available for school classes, groups and senior groups. |
