The shame prison: Spandau is reminiscent of dark history!

The city history museum in Spandau is planning a comprehensive exhibition entitled "Spandau Prison" on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War on May 8, 2025. The exhibition is to illuminate the history of the former war criminal prison on Wilhelmstrasse, which has been internationally known since 1945

The prison was built at the end of the 19th century and has a story that extends over four political eras. From 1947 convicted Nazi war criminals were accommodated there, which attracted worldwide attention. The prison had around 600 places and initially served as a fortress hospital for military members.

history of the prison

The fortress hospital was built between 1878 and 1898 and was in operation from 1881. Initially, she was intended for military personnel, especially deserters, before she increasingly took civil prisoners after the First World War. During the Third Reich, the prison interned numerous political opponents of the Nazis, including Carl von Ossietzky. In addition, it served as a prison of the Wehrmacht during the Second World War.

After the war, the four Allied victorious powers took over the prison and managed it together. From 1945 until his closure, it was the only institution operated by the Allies. Responsibility for prison changed every month: between the USA, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. During this time, only seven war criminals were imprisoned there, while other convicts were housed in various detention centers.

last inmates and demolition

Among the detainees were Baldur von Schirach and Albert Speer, who were released after 20 years on October 1, 1966. Rudolf Hess was the last prisoner and died in 1987 at the age of 93. After his death, the Allies decided to tear down the building to prevent abuse by neo -Nazis. The waste of the prison was collapsed in the North Sea and the Britannia Center Spandau, a shopping center for military members, was built on the site, which was accessible to the public after its deduction in 1994.

The city historical museum is currently looking for contemporary witnesses and memories in the form of photos, documents and objects on the history of the prison. Interested parties can report by email.