Erinnerungsstätte für die Freiheitsbewegungen in der deutschen Geschichte, Democratic history museum in Rastatt, Germany

The Erinnerungsstätte für die Freiheitsbewegungen in der deutschen Geschichte, known as the Freiheitsmuseum, occupies rooms in Schloss Rastatt, the baroque residence of the margraves of Baden-Baden. Its permanent displays trace free and democratic traditions from the early modern period through the March Revolution of 1848, the National Assembly of 1848/49 and the fight for the Reich constitution of 1849, plus opposition and resistance in the DDR.

The memorial was opened on 26 June 1974 by Federal President Gustav Heinemann, with the German Federal Archives given responsibility for its content and organisation. Rastatt Castle was chosen because the town was a key site of the Baden Revolution of 1848. In 2009, on the 20th anniversary of German unity, a permanent exhibition on opposition and resistance in the GDR was added.

The museum's nickname, Freiheitsmuseum, is used locally, and since 1995 a support association has published the magazine "Rastatter Freiheitsbote". Its displays cover the Märzrevolution of 1848, the Nationalversammlung of 1848/49, the struggle over the Reichsverfassung in 1849, and resistance in the DDR, including the Stasi and the peaceful revolution.

The museum occupies rooms inside Schloss Rastatt, the baroque palace at the town's centre, and is a central stop on the Democracy Way from Frankfurt am Main to Lörrach. Access is limited for wheelchair users, so check entry conditions before visiting. Temporary special exhibitions are shown several times a year alongside the permanent displays.

The museum opened on 26 June 1974 with a speech by Federal President Gustav Heinemann, and the Federal Archives was given responsibility for its content and running. From 1997 to 2006 Wolfgang Michalka led the institution; Elisabeth Thalhofer is its current head. Since 1995 a support association has backed its work and publishes the magazine "Rastatter Freiheitsbote".