"Deutsches Historisches Museum"
The German Historical Museum is the national history museum of the Federal Republic of Germany. Located in Berlin's historic center, it sees itself as a place for strengthening historical judgment, where overarching, philosophical, ethical and historical questions are negotiated. It is one of the largest history museums in the world.
The museum presents itself in two architecturally remarkable buildings: the Zeughaus as the most important preserved baroque building in Berlin and the new building constructed by Ieoh Ming Pei (1917-2019) at its rear. Pei is considered one of the great contemporary architects. As a student of Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer, he adopted the strict objectivity of Bauhaus architecture in his works, but developed it further in his own formal language. His museum buildings, such as the pyramid and the new entrance area of the Louvre in Paris, are particularly well known throughout the world.
The Zeughaus and the permanent exhibition on German history are closed until probably the end of 2025. The temporary exhibitions in the Pei Building will remain open and delve into formative events, developments and facets of German history. The four levels allow visitors to enjoy ever new and surprising vistas. Visual axes enable an architectural correspondence between the buildings of the past and the present.
Barrier-free information
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility tested - accessible for people with walking disabilities and wheelchair users".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report at the end of the text.
- There are no parking spaces available on site.
- S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations (Hackescher Markt, Friedrichstraße) as well as many bus lines and tram stations are located in the surrounding area.
- All rooms and facilities that are accessible to guests are step-free/at ground level or accessible via elevators/lifts.
- All doors/passages accessible to guests are at least 90 cm wide. Exception: toilet door in the basement with a width of 85 cm.
- The counter/cash desk is 110 cm high; there is an alternative option for communication while seated.
- Exhibits and information can mostly be viewed while seated.
- Seating is available.
- There is a public toilet for people with disabilities, which is accessible from both sides (at least 90 cm). There are flip-up grab rails to the left and right of the toilet.
- Guided tours are offered for people with walking disabilities and wheelchair users. Advance booking is required.
- Mobile or fixed seating is available for people with walking disabilities, which can be used during the tour.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with hearing impairment and accessible for deaf people".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- In the event of an acoustic alarm, there is no additional visual flashing signal.
- There is no audio induction loop system.
- An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is only confirmed acoustically. Alternatively, stairs are available.
- Information about the exhibits is provided in writing or in photorealistic form. Information is available in sign language.
- A tactile exhibition plan with information in German sign language is available.
- Information in German sign language is available on the German Historical Museum's website.
- Guided tours for people with hearing impairments and deaf people (in German sign language) are offered. Advance registration is required.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - partially accessible for people with visual impairments and accessible for blind people".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- The entrance area is not designed with high visual contrast.
- The walkways are marked with tactile and visual markings (e.g., floor indicators) without interruption.
- The signage (for orientation) is designed in easily legible, high-contrast font. A tactile exhibition plan is available.
- All areas surveyed and accessible to guests are brightly lit without glare.
- An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed acoustically. The stopping position is announced in the elevator by voice.
- Stair steps do not have high-contrast edges. Stairs have handrails on both sides.
- The exhibits are well lit.
- Information about the exhibits is designed with high visual contrast.
- Information about the exhibits is provided acoustically or tactilely (Braille, relief lettering).
- An audio guide for special tours is available that can be operated independently by visually impaired/blind people.
- Guided tours are offered for visually impaired and blind people. Advance registration is required.
- During the tours, exhibits are integrated for touching.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - accessible for with cognitive impairments".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations (Hackescher Markt, Friedrichstraße) as well as many bus lines and tram stations are located in the vicinity.
- The name of the museum is clearly visible from the outside.
- The destinations are within sight or there are signs at visible distances.
- Information is provided acoustically or in easy language.
- Guided tours are offered for people with cognitive impairments. Advance registration is required.
- The guided tour for people with cognitive impairments is conducted in easy language.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Image gallery
Deutsches Historisches Museum
"Deutsches Historisches Museum"
(Marina Rochel)
DHM - Pei building exhibition hall