Spandau Prison 1877 – 1987

The infamous war criminals' prison, where Rudolf Hess was the last inmate, was located in Spandau's Wilhelmstadt district. Originally planned in 1877 as the "Central Fortress Prison," it was used from 1881 onward to house soldiers and prisoners of war who had committed crimes.


After a spectacular liberation during the November Revolution of 1918, the building was converted into a civilian prison, which remained in operation until 1933. With the Nazis' seizure of power, it immediately became a place of so-called "protective custody"—primarily for political prisoners, many of whom were sentenced to death. For the first time, these prisoners included women, for example, members of the Polish resistance.


The prison became internationally known as "Spandau Prison," where seven war criminals convicted at Nuremberg served their sentences from 1947 onward. Although it was demolished immediately after Rudolf Hess's suicide in 1987, this chapter continues to shape the public's image to this day.


The exhibition in the Citadel's armory, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, traces the prison's complete history. Rare objects and previously unpublished photographs are complemented by interviews with contemporary witnesses. A special emphasis is placed on the graphic representation of individual events in the style of comics – an approach that opens up new perspectives and invites discussion.


The prison's history also sparks discussions on contemporary issues:

• What should be the goal of prison sentences in a democratic society?
  
• What consequences do international arrest warrants against heads of state have today?
  
• How do conspiracy theories arise?
  
• Is the demolition of Nazi-era buildings effective in preventing, for example, right-wing extremist demonstrations in the area?
  

The public is invited to learn more about the exhibition and the accompanying program and to participate in the discussion.