NS Documentation Center, Cologne (must see)

The NS Documentation Center is located in the Cologne Gestapo's former headquarters. The Gestapo used the building from 1935 to 1945. The building is named EL-DE after the phonetic pronunciation of businessman Leopold Dahmen's initials. Dahmen rented the building to the Nazis while the building was still under construction. The Nazis built ten prison cells in the basement.

The Documentation Center has a memorial and exhibitions. The building's basement houses the "Gestapo Prison" memorial. The prison memorial is Germany's largest memorial to Nazi victims and one of the best-preserved Nazi detention sites. Visitors can see over 1,800 wall inscriptions left by prisoners.

The permanent exhibition focuses on the National Socialist era. Exhibits detail the Nazi power structure, Nazi propaganda, racism, and the genocide of Cologne's Jews. The exhibit also discusses Nazi opposition and resistance.

The NS Documentation Center has a library and conducts ongoing research into the Nazi era.

Tip:
Do get the audio guide; otherwise, you will miss a lot. Go downstairs first and make your way up. There are free lockers for bags.