Jewish Museum Berlin

An architectural masterpiece, Daniel Libeskind’s spectacular structure has firmly established itself as one of Berlin’s most recognizable landmarks. The zinc-paneled building is truly innovative in the connection it creates between the museum’s themes and its architecture. Libeskind has dubbed his design »Between the Lines,« a title which reflects the tensions of German-Jewish history. Inscribed within the design of the building, this past takes shape along two lines charting various cultural connections and modes of thought: one is straight, but broken into many fragments; the other is winding and open-ended. The intersection of theses lines is marked by voids, empty spaces that cut through the entire museum. Rich in symbolism, the museum’s architecture makes German-Jewish history palpable, raises numerous questions, and provokes reflection.

The museum’s permanent historical exhibition extends over 3,000 m² and invites visitors to journey through two millennia of German-Jewish history. Its depictions of 14 historical periods from the Middle Ages to the present paint a vivid portrait of German-Jewish life. Artistic and everyday objects, photos and letters, interactive displays and media stations together convey the history of Jewish culture in Germany and show how tightly Jewish life and German history are interwoven.

Temporary exhibitions on cultural history, contemporary art installations, and special displays – these are a few of the ways in which the museum’s special exhibitions draw on a broad range of themes to complement the permanent historical exhibition.