German Federal Archives, National archives and office building in Koblenz, Germany
The German Federal Archives in Koblenz is an office building and national repository that preserves documents from various German state systems. The collection spans records from the Federal Republic, East Germany, the German Empire, and the German Confederation, along with photographs, films, maps, and digital materials.
The archives grew from earlier collections dating to 1919 in Potsdam that preserved documents from the North German Confederation. After World War II, these holdings were eventually consolidated and relocated to Koblenz in 1952, where they took their present form.
The institution's name reflects its role as the central repository for Germany's official records across different political periods and systems. Visitors can see how the building itself serves as a symbol of continuity and remembrance across Germany's complex history.
Visitors can access the building on weekdays at Potsdamer Street 15 and should expect that using the archives requires registration in advance. It helps to check ahead which collections are available and how to arrange access to materials before your visit.
The institution shaped historical research through its specialized collection and made its holdings globally accessible via digital projects. Many photographs shared through public platforms reveal everyday moments from different German eras that might otherwise remain unknown to researchers.
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