Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

Reflect on a dark chapter of history at Bebelplatz, where a memorial marks the site of the Nazi book burning, a chilling reminder of censorship and intolerance.

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Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

The Memorial to the Nazi Book Burning at Bebelplatz is a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in history. Located in the heart of Berlin, this memorial marks the site where, on May 10, 1933, the Nazis burned over 20,000 books deemed ‘un-German.’ Today, visitors can view Micha Ullman's powerful spatial installation: an underground library with empty shelves, visible through a glass panel set into the cobblestones. The memorial serves as a chilling reminder of censorship, intolerance, and the suppression of free thought. Flanked by significant buildings like the State Opera, St. Hedwig's Cathedral, and Humboldt University, Bebelplatz is a place where history and reflection converge, urging visitors to remember the dangers of extremism and the importance of intellectual freedom. The memorial is a stark reminder of the power of words and the devastating consequences of their suppression, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Berlin's complex past.

A brief summary to Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

Bebelpl. 1, Berlin, Mitte, 10117, DE
+491805807737
Visit website

Local tips

Take a moment to reflect on the significance of the memorial and the importance of intellectual freedom.
Visit at night to see the memorial illuminated, creating a more somber and reflective atmosphere.
Combine your visit with a tour of Bebelplatz and its surrounding historical buildings, such as the State Opera and St. Hedwig's Cathedral.

Getting There

Public Transport

Bebelplatz is easily accessible via public transport. The closest U-Bahn stations are U Museumsinsel (U5 line), U Unter den Linden (U5, U6 lines), and Hausvogteiplatz (U2 line). Several bus lines also stop near Bebelplatz, including lines 100, 147, 300, N5, and N6, with the closest bus stop being Staatsoper. A single public transport ticket costs approximately €3.40.
Walking

Bebelplatz is located directly off Unter den Linden, making it easily accessible by foot from many central Berlin locations. From the Brandenburg Gate, walk east along Unter den Linden for about 15 minutes. The memorial will be on your left, in the middle of Bebelplatz.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share to Bebelplatz from a central location in Berlin, such as Alexanderplatz, will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic.
Driving

If driving, parking is available in the Q-Park Unter den Linden / Staatsoper underground car park located directly on Bebelplatz (Bebelplatz 2, 10117 Berlin). Hourly parking rates are approximately €4, with a daily maximum of €25. A monthly parking deal is available for €193 with online reservation. There is also a special 'Theater-Tarif' (theater rate) for entries after 6 PM until 11:59 PM for a maximum of €6.

Discover more about Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

The Memorial to the May 10, 1933, Nazi Book Burning at Bebelplatz stands as a somber testament to the destructive power of intolerance and censorship. This historically charged site, located in the heart of Berlin's Mitte district, marks the spot where the Nazi regime orchestrated the infamous burning of books deemed ‘un-German’ in 1933. Today, the memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom and the dangers of extremism. Bebelplatz itself is a significant location, surrounded by architectural landmarks that reflect Berlin's rich history. The square is bordered by Unter den Linden, Berlin's most famous boulevard, and is framed by notable buildings such as the Berlin State Opera (Staatsoper Unter den Linden), St. Hedwig's Cathedral, the Altes Palais, and Humboldt University. This central location underscores the memorial's importance within the city's cultural and historical landscape. The memorial, created by Israeli artist Micha Ullman, is a subterranean installation that can be viewed through a glass panel set into the cobblestones of Bebelplatz. This ‘sunken library’ features empty white shelves, designed to hold the 20,000 books that were burned on that fateful night. The stark emptiness of the shelves serves as a haunting symbol of the intellectual and cultural void created by the Nazi regime's actions. The book burning was a carefully orchestrated event, part of a nationwide campaign by the Nazi German Student Association “against the un-German spirit”. Blacklists were created, targeting Jewish, Marxist, socialist, anti-family, and other literature deemed undesirable by the regime. The event in Bebelplatz was a public spectacle, intended to intimidate and silence dissenting voices. Among the authors whose works were burned were Erich Kästner, Heinrich Heine, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and many others. Adding to the memorial's impact are two bronze plaques set into the ground, bearing an inscription from Heinrich Heine's 1820 play *Almansor*: “Das war ein Vorspiel nur, dort wo man Bücher verbrennt, verbrennt man am Ende auch Menschen” (“That was but a prelude; where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people as well”). This chilling quote underscores the connection between the suppression of ideas and the persecution of individuals, serving as a timeless warning against intolerance. The memorial was unveiled on March 20, 1995, after years of debate and planning. Its understated design encourages contemplation and reflection, inviting visitors to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past. The memorial's location, directly beneath a public square, forces a confrontation with history in the midst of everyday life. Visiting the Memorial to the Nazi Book Burning offers a profound and moving experience. It is a place to reflect on the importance of free expression, the fragility of democracy, and the enduring consequences of hatred and intolerance. The memorial serves as a reminder that the fight against censorship and oppression is an ongoing one, and that vigilance is essential to safeguarding intellectual freedom. Beyond the memorial itself, Bebelplatz offers a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the magnificent Berlin State Opera, designed in the neoclassical style, or visit St. Hedwig's Cathedral, an 18th-century Catholic church modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The nearby Humboldt University, one of Berlin's oldest and most prestigious universities, is also worth a visit. Bebelplatz also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the Festival of Lights, during which the square's historic buildings are illuminated with stunning light projections. The Staatsoper für alle (State Opera for All) is another popular event, offering free open-air performances to a wide audience. The Memorial to the Nazi Book Burning is more than just a historical site; it is a living reminder of the importance of critical thinking, open dialogue, and the unwavering defense of intellectual freedom. A visit to this memorial is an essential part of understanding Berlin's complex past and its ongoing commitment to creating a more just and tolerant future. It is a place where history, art, and memory converge, inviting visitors to reflect on the lessons of the past and to consider their own role in shaping a better world. The memorial exemplifies what art historian James E. Young terms as "negative form," sinking into the cobblestones of the Bebelplatz to create a void. The placement of the room underneath the cobblestones of the plaza forces viewers to crane their necks in order to look into the memorial. Approximating the volume of the 20,000 books burned on that site on May 10, 1933, the space inside the monument is air-conditioned to prevent condensation on the glass pane that sits level with the surface of the plaza and remains continuously lit.

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Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

A brief summary to Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning

Bebelpl.

Denkmal für den Völkermord an den Armeniern

Saint Hedwig's Cathedral

Equestrian statue of King Friedrich II. of Prussia

Neue Wache

Crown Prince's Palace

Friedrichswerdersche Church

Französischer Dom

Unter den Linden

Schinkelpl.

Gendarmenmarkt

Hausvogteiplatz

Springbrunnen im Lustgarten

Hausvogteipl. & Mohrenstraße

Unmissable attractions to see

Berlin State Opera

Humboldt University of Berlin

German Historical Museum

Werderscher Markt

Antiquariat & Kunsthandel Gaston Düssel

Schlossbrücke

Konzerthaus Berlin

Freedom and Unity Memorial

Neue Kirche

Lustgarten

James Simon Gallery

Humboldt Box

The Original Berlin Walks

Altes Museum

Neues Museum

Essential places to dine

Charlotte & Fritz

Restaurant FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Bocca di Bacco

Nante-Eck

BLESS Restaurant

Restaurant Maximilians Berlin

Alt-Berliner Gasthaus Julchen Hoppe

Grill Royal

Berliner Republik

Restaurant Dae Mon

Boulevard Friedrichstrasse

Restaurant Balthazar 2

Zur Gerichtslaube

Mutter Hoppe

Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Square Berlin East

Galeries Lafayette

Wolford Boutique Berlin

BERLIN STORE

Shop Passage im Humboldt Forum

Redbear Berlin

ausberlin

Hackesche Höfe

AMPELMANN shop in the Hackescher Markt

Vielfach Berlin -Das Kreativkaufhaus-

Mall of Berlin

Berlin Loves You

I love Berlin

BERLIN Store - MUDDASTADT GmbH

Pick'nWeight - Vintage Kilo Store

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Newton Bar

Windhorst