Stasi-Unterlagen-Archiv Erfurt – Informations- und Dokumentationszentrum
Exhibition “Sicherungsbereich DDR” at the Stasi Records Archive on the Petersberg in Erfurt, free of charge, with archive tours.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Stasi Records Archive in Erfurt on the Petersberg, formerly a BStU branch office and today a site of the Federal Archives, houses the information and documentation center for the state of Thuringia. The archive holds about 4,500 linear meters of files from the records of the Erfurt district administration for State Security and its district offices, as well as about 1.7 million index cards.
The exhibition “Sicherungsbereich DDR” traces how the State Security Service developed and what tasks it took on in the former Erfurt district. Its focus is securing the border with West Germany, for example in the five-kilometer restricted zone, and monitoring the transit route to West Berlin. Among the unusual exhibits are scent samples collected by the Stasi and kept in preserving jars.
A free tour of the archive shows how files are located and indexed and what role the card index played. The house also offers films, lectures, talks with contemporary witnesses, and programs for school classes and seminar papers.
Key themes
- Exhibition “Sicherungsbereich DDR” on border security and transit monitoring in the Erfurt district
- Free tour of the Stasi Records Archive with about 4,500 meters of files
- Original exhibits, including scent samples in preserving jars
- Talks with contemporary witnesses, lectures, and films for school classes
Permanent exhibition
- Sicherungsbereich DDR – The exhibition shows the development of the State Security Service and its regional tasks in the Erfurt district, especially border security and the monitoring of the transit route.
- Operated by
- Bundesarchiv (Stasi-Unterlagen-Archiv Erfurt)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free of charge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kids
- Family tours & workshops
The offers are aimed mainly at school classes and youth groups; lectures are planned from grade 10.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Domplatz
From the main station, take tram lines 2, 3, 4, and 6 to the Domplatz stop. From there, a panoramic elevator leads up to the fortress grounds of the Petersberg Citadel; on foot, the climb takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
By car
Free parking
Free visitor parking on the north and south sides of the building. Access via Biereyestraße; the bollards are lowered by intercom by the building’s security service.
Due to construction work by the City of Erfurt, access is currently only possible to a limited extent.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free archive tours and tours of the documentation center by prior registration. Programs for schools: lectures (from grade 10, 1.5 to 2 hours, up to 30 people), films, talks with contemporary witnesses, short theater scenes with original props, and support with seminar papers. |
