The Museums in Potsdam

Barberini Museum

Potsdam is rich in a new Art Museum through the founding of the Barberini Museum. The exhibition themes range from Old Masters to contemporary art. The focus is on Impressionism. Many of the exhibited works come from the collection of the founder and patron Hasso Plattner. The Barberini Museum presents three temporary exhibitions each year with loans from international museums and private collections. Opened in 2018, the museum has developed into the leading cultural institution in Potsdam and the region.

Potsdam Film Museum

For those who spend a few days in Potsdam, visit the Babelsberg film studios and if you don't have time to go there but are passionate film fans, then the Film Museum is a good alternative, it is dedicated to the history of the studios and also presents the theme of using films for propaganda. The museum has the advantage that it is not far from the train station in the heart of Potsdam, right next to the Potsdam City Palace, which was rebuilt as the seat of the Brandenburg State Parliament. The building is the former Orangery/Arsenal of the City Palace. Photo: © J. Leopold (FMP)

Prussian Palaces and Gardens - SPSG

Sanssouci palace is only one of the 30 sites administered by the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens (SPSG). It was the summer residence of the most important Prussian king, Frederick the Great, who started planning it shortly after taking the throne in 1740. The architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff (see also Berlin Opera) realized the mansion-like palace (with only twelve rooms) in a distinct rococo style. The king spent much time at his beloved “little vineyard house”, how he called it, where he could enjoy privacy and follow his manifold interests. He died there on August 17, 1786, and, according to his wishes, was buried – although belated – on the garden's upper terrace, next to the palace.

You can find more information about the palaces and monuments on our page "Sightseeing in Potsdam".

Museum Fluxus +

Museum FLUXUX+ emphasises on the artist Wolf Vostell and on the works of artists of the Fluxus movement. Thus the exhibition provides a review of the development of the Avantgarde during the second half of the 20th century. Four contemporary artists allow a glance on today´s interpretation of the dictum:art=life=art.

The museum is located in the Schiffbauergasse, a cultural center that developed in a former port and shipbuilding area. Visit our website "Culture & Hightlights" for more information.

The KGB remand prison

The former Soviet prison of the Committee for State Security (KGB) is located not far from Cecilienhof Palace and at the foot of the Pfingstberg with its Belvedere in the former KGB area. The historical building makes it possible to understand the functions of this place of terror through a very well realized exhibition and by visiting various rooms preserved in their original state. The "Memorial and Meeting Place Leistikowstraße Potsdam" is also a place of remembrance, meeting and discussion.

The SED dictatorship in Lindenstraße

Located in the centre of Potsdam, the Lindenstrasse Memorial traces the history of political persecution and violence in the two dictatorships of the 20th century in Germany - but also the victory of democracy with the peaceful revolution of 1989/90. In the former inner courtyard and prison complex, a multimedia exhibition takes visitors through the various epochs. The focus is on those who were imprisoned for political reasons during the Nazi dictatorship, the Soviet occupation and the SED dictatorship, as well as those who contributed to overcoming the SED dictatorship in 1989/90.