By 1989, the Ministry for State Security had developed into a powerful apparatus of surveillance and repression. By the end, some 91,000 staff members were safeguarding the power of the socialist ruling party, which had never been legitimised by free elections. They were supported by a large number of unofficial collaborators, who were regarded as the most powerful weapon in the fight against internal and external enemies.
Image gallery
Stasi-Minister Erich Mielke bei einem Festbankett in "Haus 2"
During the guided tour of the permanent exhibition ‘A Glimpse into the Secret’, visitors learn more about the internal structure of the GDR’s secret police. Which main department was responsible for which tasks? Who were the full-time and unofficial agents? And what do their ‘personnel files’ look like in the Stasi Records Archive?
The event includes a look inside an original filing room and at sample files. Afterwards, there is the opportunity to submit an application to inspect the files.
- The number of participants is limited to 15.
- Please register in advance at: Einblick-ins-geheime@bundesarchiv.de or by telephone on 030 18 665-6699.
Additional information
Dates
December 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
| |
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
