Generals, Governors, and a Dragon

A tour of the Invalidenfriedhof that critiques colonialism, led by Stefan Zollhauser

Grabmal für Julius von Groß genannt von Schwarzhoff auf dem Berliner Invalidenfriedhof. – Grabmal für Julius von Groß genannt von Schwarzhoff: Eine geflügelte Bronzefigur steht auf einem Drachen vor einem hohen Steinpfeiler. Die Inschrift nennt ihn General und Chef des Generalstabes beim Oberkommando in Ostasien, 1850 bis 1901.

Where in Berlin are most of the generals buried? What distinguished colonial wars from wars in Europe? And where in Berlin can you still see a dragon today? A tour of the Invalidenfriedhof in Berlin-Mitte that takes a critical look at colonialism explores these questions.

The cemetery was established in 1748. About 150 years later, around 1900, numerous figures from the colonial era were buried here. After the Berlin Wall was built, a large portion of the grounds was sacrificed to make way for the border fortifications. Over the past three decades, many tombstones have been reconstructed or newly created; a support association is dedicated to maintaining the site.

Among them are five graves commemorating a diverse group of colonial military figures and governors. The tour follows their stories, explores the often brutal consequences of their actions, and poses the question that arises at such sites today: What does a critical examination look like? This will be discussed together along the way.

The tour is led by Stefan Zollhauser. He is a historian and exhibition curator who specializes in Berlin’s urban history, with a particular focus on topics related to everyday life. Through his project“Berliner Spurensuche” and in collaboration with various district museums, he develops guided tours, workshops, and exhibitions. In doing so, he examines colonial interconnections and shows how they manifest themselves in the urban landscape.Translated with DeepL

Meeting point: In front of the entrance to the Invalidenfriedhof, Scharnhorststraße 31–33, 10115 Berlin

Booking: Participation is free of charge and does not require registration.

Next date:

• Date Sunday, 15/November/2026 11:00 bis 12:30 ( 1 more date )
• Venue Mitte Museum
• Address Pankstraße 47, 13357 Berlin-Wedding