Sächsisches Strafvollzugsmuseum
Small guided museum in the Waldheim prison (JVA) on 300 years of Saxon penal history; visits by appointment only.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The idea for the museum arose from the wish to set up a small exhibition in the Waldheim prison (JVA). From this, starting in 1995, a concept developed to document the entire history of Saxon corrections; the museum opened on October 9, 1997. Its foundation consisted of documents, books and original files from several archives, a private collection built up over years, and everyday objects from prison life.
The museum is located on the grounds of the facility, which according to the museum is the oldest of its kind in Saxony and indeed in all of Germany. Accordingly, many exhibits come from the facility itself. The Saxon State Archives in Leipzig alone hold a file collection on Waldheim dating from 1716, more than 170 meters long and only partly catalogued.
The exhibition provides an overview of roughly 300 years of imprisonment in Saxony. It aims to make the prison system more transparent to the public, also serves the training of staff, and is supported by the friends' association. Guests include history enthusiasts, experts from justice, education and psychology, and school classes from Grade 9 onward. By 2010 about 30,000 visitors had come.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition on the history of Saxon imprisonment
- Original files and documents from several archives
- Objects from everyday prison life
- Visit on the grounds of Saxony's oldest correctional facility
- Guided tour by staff of the working group
- Founded
- 1997
- Operated by
- Förderverein Sächsisches Strafvollzugsmuseum Waldheim e. V.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
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
The museum is not barrier-free.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 14+
The museum is located in a prison: admission only from age 14, school classes from Grade 9 onward.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & 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 | Visits are only possible with a guided tour by staff of the working group; please book an appointment in advance by phone or in writing. School classes from Grade 9 onward; young people are admitted only from age 14. |
