Museum Berlin-Karlshorst, Military museum in Karlshorst district, Berlin, Germany
Museum Berlin-Karlshorst occupies a former Wehrmacht officers' building and displays photographs, documents, and military objects relating to German-Soviet relations. The collection includes personal items and archives that present different perspectives on this historical connection.
The building served as the officers' mess of the Wehrmacht pioneer school before becoming the headquarters of the Soviet Military Administration in Germany. In 1949 the Soviets handed over administrative authority here to the first GDR government. On the night of 8–9 May 1945, Keitel, von Friedeburg and Stumpff signed the unconditional surrender, accepted by Zhukov and Tedder. A surrender museum opened on 5 November 1967; the German-Russian Museum opened in May 1995.
The exhibition tells the story of Germans and Soviets through personal objects and photographs that show how these two peoples encountered each other across decades. Visitors see everyday items and documents that reflect life and relationships between the countries.
The surrender room, kept in its original state, shows a film of the 1945 signing continuously. The permanent exhibition covers about 1,000 square metres; temporary shows occupy a 100-square-metre room. Outside, a Soviet T-34 tank stands on a pedestal among large military equipment. The specialised library can be consulted by outside users on request.
The surrender room still contains original furnishings and preserved elements from 1945, placing visitors directly into this historic moment. This room is one of the few places worldwide where such a significant event remains experienceable at its exact original location.
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