What are the opening hours on International Museum Day?

The memorial site is open on May 17, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

How much is the admission?

The regular admission is 8.00 euros, reduced 5.00 euros. For Museum Day, the visit is intended at the reduced admission.

Is the memorial site accessible?

Large parts of the grounds are accessible. The main building has an elevator, but some areas are only reachable by steps.

Are there parking facilities?

Yes, free parking is available on site.

How do I get there by public transport?

Access is possible via Cottbus Hbf. From there, take tram 1, 3, or 4 or several bus lines to Görlitzer Str.; then it's about a 7-minute walk.

What content can visitors expect?

Special and permanent exhibitions on the history of the prison, a reconstructed cell block, former DDR prisoner transport vehicles, and a free book fair in the foyer.

International Museum Day

Name: International Museum Day - at the Memorial Site of Cottbus Prison
Start: 2026-05-17T15:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-05-17T20:00:00+02:00
Location: Gedenkstätte Zuchthaus Cottbus

A special museum Sunday at the historic memorial site in Cottbus

On May 17, 2026, the Memorial Site of Cottbus Prison will open its doors for International Museum Day, offering an in-depth look at a place where history, education, and remembrance come together in an impressive way. From 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, visitors can expect a unique art experience: not a classic display of aesthetic forms, but a dense and moving exhibition atmosphere that makes the history of imprisonment, repression, and processing visible.

History as a walkable space

The memorial site presents special and permanent exhibitions on the history of the prison, particularly during the Nazi and SED dictatorship. Walking through the grounds provides an expanded view of the artwork: architecture, documents, objects, and testimonies together unfold a compelling spatial impact. Notable stations include a reconstructed cell block and two former DDR prisoner transport vehicles, which make the historical events tangible.

International Museum Day with an educational mission

International Museum Day is declared annually by the International Council of Museums ICOM and draws attention to the social significance of museums. In Cottbus, this claim is evident in a clear curatorial attitude: the memorial site considers itself an extracurricular learning environment, where cultural education, historical context, and remembrance culture work together. Especially on this day, it becomes clear how important museums are as places of enlightenment, reflection, and democratic education.

Book fair, encounters, and deep insights

A free book fair invites browsing in the foyer. This adds a quiet, reflective layer to the visit that rounds off the art experience in a broader sense: literature, historical materials, and memorial sites open a pathway to the biographical and political dimensions of the place. Thus, an exhibition atmosphere is created that not only informs but also touches and stimulates reflection.

Accessibility and visitor comfort

Large parts of the grounds are accessible, and the main building has an elevator. At the same time, there are areas with steps that may be relevant for some tours. The memorial site is located at Bautzener Straße 140, 03050 Cottbus; free parking is available, and arriving by train, tram, and bus is also feasible. The regular admission is 8.00 euros, while the reduced price for visitors is 5.00 euros. For International Museum Day, the visit is expressly intended at the reduced entrance fee.

Conclusion: International Museum Day at the Memorial Site of Cottbus Prison combines historical depth, museum education, and impressive spatial experience. Those who really want to understand the history of the place should take this day to visit and absorb the exhibition on site with all their senses.