Topf und Söhne Memorial
The former headquarters of J.A. Topf & Sons is a historical site of industry's complicity in the Holocaust. The company provided the SS with powerful ovens for the disposal of corpses in the concentration camps and did not hesitate to supply technical solutions to "optimize" the killing in the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp. With a permanent exhibition on the company's complicity in the Shoah and temporary exhibitions, the Place of Remembrance offers a variety of opportunities for historically informed reflection on the dangers of rigth-wing extremism, anti-Semitism an racism today and the personal responsiblity of individual for fellow humanity and democracy.
Barrier-free information
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - accessible for people with walking disabilities".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- There is a marked parking lot for people with disabilities (parking space size: 440 cm x 500 cm).
- The bus stop "Spielbergtor" (line 9) is 500 m away.
- The path from the parking lot to the side entrance is 50 m long. It is easy to walk and drive on and has a maximum longitudinal gradient of 2%.
- The building is accessible without steps at the side entrance via a ramp.
- The ramp has a slope of 6 % and a total length of 15 m.
- All other rooms and facilities that can be used and raised for the guest are accessible without steps or via an elevator. Part of the exhibition room (3rd floor) is slightly elevated, there is a mobile ramp available.
- All doors/passages that can be used by guests and are raised are at least 80 cm wide.
- The ticket counter is 95 cm high.
- Exhibits and exhibit information are predominantly visible while seated.
- There is a public restroom for people with disabilities that is accessible from both sides (at least 80 cm). There are fold-down grab bars on the left and right sides of the restroom.
- Guided tours are available for people with walking disabilities and wheelchair users. Advance reservation is required.
- Mobile or fixed seating is available for people with walking disabilities to use during the tour.
- The entire route of the guided tour is step-free for wheelchair users.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- There is no clearly visible alarm.
- There is no audio induction loop system at the counter.
- An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed acoustically. Alternatively, stairs are available.
- Information about the exhibits is provided in writing.
- Guided tours for deaf people (in German sign language) are available upon request.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- Assistance dogs are welcome.
- The entrance area is designed with high visual contrast.
- The signage (for wayfinding) is designed with easily readable, high-contrast lettering.
- All elevated areas accessible to guests are illuminated with bright, glare-free lighting.
- An emergency call made from the elevator is confirmed by an audible signal.
- Steps do not have high-contrast edges.
- Staircases have at least a one-sided handrail.
- Information about the exhibits is presented with high visual contrast.
- Information is not available in raised print or Braille.
- Guided tours are available for people with visual impairments and blind people. Advance reservations are required.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
- The name or logo of the museum are clearly recognizable from the outside.
- The destinations of the paths are within sight. There are also wayfinding signs at visible intervals.
- Information about exhibits is provided in writing, but not in plain language.
- Guided tours are available for people with cognitive impairments. Advance registration is required.
- The guided tour for people with cognitive impairments is given in plain language.
Evaluation report: Download as PDF
Image gallery
The former administration building of J. A. Topf & Sons is now a place of learning for humanity, respect and tolerance.
(Kastner Pichler Architekten, 2011 )
Historical drawing machines from J. A. Topf & Sons are part of the permanent exhibition.
(Kastner Pichler Architekten, 2011 )
Key documents from international archives on the Shoah prove the gas murder in Auschwitz.
(Boris Hajdukovic, 2011)