Potsdam Film Museum, Potsdam

The Potsdam Film Museum, the oldest of its kind in Germany, is housed in the historic Marstall, the former horse stables of the Prussian kings located next to the City Palace in Potsdam. Since its establishment in 1981 as a film museum of the GDR, and following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the museum has showcased the cinematic heritage of a united Germany.

The museum provides an immersive journey behind the scenes of film and cinema within a splendid baroque setting. The permanent exhibition, "Dream Factory - 100 Years of Film in Babelsberg," highlights the rich history of the Babelsberg film studios, the oldest continuously operating film studio in the world. Visitors can explore over 700 props, including elaborate costumes, original furniture pieces, and iconic items such as the bench from "The Punch Bowl" and a vehicle from "Around the World in 80 Days."

The museum's exhibitions are divided into seven themed rooms, each offering a unique perspective on filmmaking. The journey begins with an exploration of the filmmaking process, featuring 20 examples that guide visitors from the initial concept to the final product. Subsequent rooms include displays of castings of famous actors like Marlene Dietrich, Christopher Waltz, and Kate Winslet, as well as interactive features like a casting box where visitors can audition or be digitally inserted into famous movie scenes.

Another highlight of the museum is the in-house cinema, which radiates a unique charm with its plush velvet chairs and vintage projectors. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magic of cinema by watching clips from famous Babelsberg film productions, vividly bringing these classic movies to life on the screen.