Buchenwald Memorial
Thüringen
Buchenwald Memorial, located near Weimar in Thüringen, Germany, stands on the site of one of the largest Nazi concentration camps established in July 1937. Originally designed to hold 8,000 prisoners, it became a vast complex imprisoning nearly 280,000 people from over 50 countries by the end of World War II. The camp held diverse groups including Jews, political prisoners, Roma, Soviet POWs, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime. Prisoners endured forced labor, brutal conditions, and systematic executions, resulting in over 56,000 deaths. The camp was liberated by the U.S. Army in April 1945, with prisoners themselves playing a key role in resisting the SS guards. Post-war, the site was used by Soviet authorities as a special internment camp until 1950. Today, the memorial features extensive exhibitions on the camp's history, including original artifacts, prisoner art, and multimedia guides. Its grounds serve as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed and a place for education and reflection.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to join the public guided tours lasting about two hours to gain comprehensive understanding, offered by trained staff. The memorial is accessible year-round, with best visits in spring or autumn to avoid peak crowds. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking availability in advance is recommended for groups. The site offers multilingual information and a free app for digital exploration. Respectful behavior is required, and the memorial provides clear guidelines on appropriate conduct during visits.
Interesting facts
- •The camp's main gate bore the inscription 'Jedem das Seine' ('To each what he deserves'), designed by prisoner and Bauhaus architect Franz Ehrlich using a forbidden Bauhaus typeface.
- •At liberation, prisoners themselves overpowered the SS guards, opened the gates, and raised a white flag to welcome the U.S. Army.
- •The camp was not a death camp like Auschwitz but still saw over 56,000 deaths due to executions, forced labor, and harsh conditions.
- •After WWII, the camp was used by Soviet authorities as Special Camp No. 2, where over 7,000 prisoners died before it was razed to conceal this history.
- •Buchenwald had 139 subcamps, spreading forced labor across many locations in Nazi Germany.
History
Buchenwald concentration camp was established in July 1937 on Ettersberg hill near Weimar by the SS, replacing smaller camps and intended for forced labor exploitation.
The camp's name, meaning 'beech forest,' was chosen to avoid association with the culturally significant nearby Ettersburg and Goethe's legacy.
Throughout WWII, Buchenwald imprisoned a vast array of victims, including political opponents and foreign nationals.
In April 1945, prisoners took control of the camp as the SS fled, shortly before liberation by the U.S.
Army.
After the war, the Soviets used the site as Special Camp No.
2 until 1950.
The memorial was officially opened in 1958 and has since been redesigned to educate visitors about its complex history.
Place Guide
Main Gate and Motto1937
The iconic entrance gate features the phrase 'Jedem das Seine,' a grim motto reflecting Nazi ideology, designed by prisoner Franz Ehrlich in a Bauhaus style, symbolizing subtle prisoner resistance.
Permanent ExhibitionPost-1958
Spanning 2,000 square meters, this exhibition presents detailed history of Buchenwald, its prisoners, and the broader context of Nazi Germany, featuring original artifacts and multimedia displays.
Art Exhibition in Former Disinfection BuildingContemporary exhibition
A unique collection of about 200 artworks created by prisoners, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures, reflecting their experiences and resilience.
Soviet Special Camp ExhibitionContemporary exhibition
An interim exhibition exploring the camp's use by Soviet forces after WWII as Special Camp No. 2, addressing a lesser-known chapter of the site's history.
Contact
Phone: 03643 430200
