Steinwache

The Steinwache in Dortmund stands as a solemn reminder of the city's turbulent past, offering visitors a poignant journey through history. Once a notorious prison known as the Hell of West Germany, it now serves as a memorial and museum dedicated to the memory of those who suffered under Nazi persecution. Located in the heart of Dortmund, this historical site invites you to explore its harrowing tales of resistance and oppression.

The History of Steinwache

Originally constructed in 1906 as a police station to serve the rapidly industrializing northern part of Dortmund, the Steinwache quickly became a central figure in the city's law enforcement. By 1928, it had expanded to include a modern prison facility, reflecting the architectural style of New Objectivity. However, with the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933, the Steinwache's role transformed drastically.

The Gestapo, the secret police of the Nazi state, took over the facility, turning it into a place of terror for political dissidents, Jews, and other groups targeted by the Nazis. The prison became infamous for its brutal interrogations and overcrowded cells, earning its grim nickname. During the early years of Nazi rule, it primarily held members of Dortmund's strong communist and social democratic communities. As World War II progressed, foreign forced laborers, particularly those from Eastern Europe, became the largest group of inmates.

Exploring the Memorial

Today, the Steinwache is a memorial and educational center that tells the stories of resistance and persecution during the Nazi era. The permanent exhibition, Resistance and Persecution in Dortmund 1933–1945, is housed within the former prison's walls. As you walk through its corridors, you'll encounter a series of rooms and displays that chronicle the rise of the Nazi regime and its impact on Dortmund and the wider region.

The exhibition begins on the ground floor, providing a historical overview of the building and the political climate leading up to the Nazi takeover. Here, you'll learn about the economic crisis and political struggles that paved the way for the Nazis' rise to power. The reconstructed intake room offers a chilling glimpse into the experiences of those who were processed into the prison.

Stories of Resistance

As you ascend to the upper floors, the focus shifts to the stories of individuals and groups who bravely resisted Nazi oppression. The exhibition highlights the efforts of various political parties, labor unions, and religious communities that stood against the regime. Personal testimonies and artifacts bring these stories to life, offering a deeply personal connection to the past.

One floor is dedicated to the theme of forced labor and the racial persecution of those deemed undesirable by the Nazis. Here, you'll find accounts of the inhumane conditions faced by foreign workers and the brutal policies that governed their lives.

The Upper Floors

The top floor delves into the persecution of religious communities, including the Catholic and Protestant churches, as well as the Jehovah's Witnesses. The exhibition explores the complex relationships between these institutions and the Nazi state, highlighting both complicity and courageous defiance.

In addition to these narratives, the Steinwache also addresses the systematic genocide of Jews, Sinti, and Roma. The exhibits detail the steps leading to their disenfranchisement, deportation, and eventual extermination, providing a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

A Place of Reflection

Finally, the basement of the Steinwache houses exhibits on the Gestapo's local operations and the broader machinery of Nazi terror. Here, visitors can learn about the concentration camps, the justice system under Nazi rule, and the mass murders carried out by the Gestapo in the nearby Rombergpark and Bittermark.

In 2023, the city of Dortmund approved a significant expansion and modernization of the Steinwache memorial, with construction set to begin in 2025. This project will ensure that the stories of resistance and persecution continue to be told for generations to come.

The Steinwache is more than just a museum; it is a place of remembrance and reflection. It invites visitors to confront the darkest chapters of history and consider the enduring importance of standing against tyranny and injustice. As you explore its halls, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the resilience of the human spirit and the vital role of memory in shaping a more just future.