Berlin Book Burning

Many of the events that took place in Germany before or during the Second World War are common knowledge, although there is one that some people may not have heard about.

The Book Burning took place on May 10th 1933 and saw Nazi students collect and burn over 20,000 books by Jewish writers, socialists or those promoting the message of pacifism and tolerance.

This event is now commemorated with a simple, yet powerful memorial in the middle of Bebelplatz where the original event took place.

Designed by Micha Ullman in 1995 the installation in the square features a translucent panel which reveals a series of empty bookshelves below ground level.

Nearby is a plaque inscribed with words by poet Heinrich Heine which read “where books are burned, in the end people will burn”.

Visitors may find that it is even more special to visit the memorial at night time as it is beautifully lit by white light which is diffused through the glass sheet on the pavement.

For directions to the memorial from the Generator,

You can purchase discounted and fast track tickets from our travelshop.

For more information contact the team on +49 (0)30 417 2400

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