Potsdam Film Museum
Brandenburg
The Potsdam Film Museum, established in 1981 as the Filmmuseum der DDR, is Germany's oldest film museum with its own collection and exhibitions. Located in the historic Marstall building of the Potsdam City Palace, it celebrates the legacy of the world's oldest large-scale film studio, Studio Babelsberg, founded in 1912. The museum's permanent exhibition "Dream Factory – 100 Years of Film in Babelsberg" showcases the studio's rich history along with interactive displays illustrating the filmmaking process from script to screen. Visitors can discover original props, costumes, set models, and film technology artifacts from renowned productions of Bioscop, Ufa, DEFA, and Studio Babelsberg. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions, family-friendly displays, and foyer exhibitions featuring historic projectors like the "Bioscop". Its cinema, unique in Potsdam's historic center, screens classic and contemporary films daily, including silent films accompanied by live music on the restored Welte cinema organ. The museum is affiliated with the Babelsberg Film University and is supported by the State of Brandenburg, reflecting its cultural and educational significance in Germany's film heritage.
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Tip: Visit the museum during weekdays to enjoy quieter exhibitions and daily film screenings, except Mondays when the cinema is closed. Advance tickets for special exhibitions and events are recommended. Families can benefit from dedicated workshops and interactive exhibits. The museum offers accessibility improvements and a museum shop with film-related publications and memorabilia. Check the official website for current cinema schedules and special programs like silent film performances with live organ music.
Interesting facts
- •The Potsdam Film Museum is the oldest film museum with its own collection in Germany, founded in 1981.
- •It is housed in the historic Marstall building of the Potsdam City Palace, a site that underwent extensive restoration before the museum's opening.
- •The permanent exhibition covers the entire filmmaking process, featuring original props, costumes, and film technology from over 100 years of Babelsberg studio history.
- •The museum operates a unique cinema in Potsdam's historic center, showing films daily except Mondays, including silent films accompanied by live Welte cinema organ music.
- •It is affiliated with the Babelsberg Film University and supported by the State of Brandenburg, emphasizing its educational role.
History
The Potsdam Film Museum was founded in 1981 as the Filmmuseum der DDR, making it the oldest film museum with a dedicated collection in Germany.
Initially housed in the deteriorated Marstall of the Potsdam City Palace, it underwent extensive restoration before opening.
After German reunification in 1990, the museum expanded its collections and programs significantly.
In 1991, the State of Brandenburg took over its sponsorship, and the museum became affiliated with the Babelsberg Film University in 2011.
The permanent exhibition "Dream Factory – 100 Years of Film in Babelsberg" was inaugurated in 2011, highlighting the studio's century-long history.
The museum building was further renovated in 2014 to improve accessibility and safety.
Place Guide
Permanent Exhibition "Dream Factory – 100 Years of Film in Babelsberg"2011
This core exhibition explores the history of Studio Babelsberg, the oldest large-scale film studio in the world. It presents the filmmaking process through themed rooms covering scriptwriting, casting, costume, makeup, set design, shooting, editing, sound design, marketing, and awards. Visitors encounter original artifacts such as costumes, props, and technical equipment, with interactive multimedia stations allowing hands-on experiences.
Museum Cinema (Kino im Marstall)
The museum's cinema is the only film theater in Potsdam's historic center. It screens historical and documentary films as well as selected contemporary productions, often in original languages with subtitles or dubbed. Special programs include the "Fast verpasst" series featuring films with limited theatrical runs. Silent films are regularly accompanied live on the restored Welte cinema organ, creating a unique viewing experience.
Museum Shop
The shop offers exhibition catalogs, publications on film history and the Babelsberg media city, DVDs and Blu-rays of featured films, as well as film memorabilia like postcards and posters. It serves as a resource for visitors interested in further exploring the museum's themes.
Contact
Phone: 0331 2718112
