The exhibition presents 58 impressive black and white photographs of survivors. Through recurring motifs and unexpected, touching statements by those portrayed, the history of these people is brought to life in a personal and impressive way. It invites people to engage intensively with the life stories of former victims of Nazi persecution.
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Stefan Hanke / Portrait of Max Mannheimer, 2006
April 4, 2025 – August 31, 2025
About the Exhibition
The National Socialists murdered millions of people in concentration and extermination camps. Although hundreds of thousands of survivors were liberated at the end of the war, their ordeal was not over. Countless people had lost part of or all of their families and were severely traumatized. Many remained silent about their fate for the rest of their lives or only spoke about their experiences later in life.
How were they able to go on with their lives? Regensburg photographer Stefan Hanke devoted himself to this question and portrayed numerous survivors with different biographies of persecution. The oldest person was 105 years old at the time the photos were taken, the youngest 70. Hanke shows the survivors in their living environment or at the sites of their persecution and imprisonment.
Stefan Hanke / Portrait of Kazimierz Piechowski, 2013
FAQs
We recommend about 1.5 to 2 hours to visit the exhibition (including the bunkers). A short self-guided tour with our multimedia guide takes about 40 minutes.
The exhibition Idyll and Atrocity does not use explicit visual material, but it does address the subjects of persecution, war and mass murder. We recommend a visit for people over the age of 12.
All information about barrier-free access can be found here.
We regret to inform you that you cannot take your dog or other animal into our exhibition. Recognized guide dogs or assistance dogs are welcome (please provide certification). More information on barrier-free access.
Flash-free photography is permitted. Photos may be taken exclusively for private use.
Backpacks and large bags may not be taken into the exhibition. This also applies to other bulky items. This also includes child carriers, baby carriages or strollers of all kinds.
Please understand that this regulation serves to protect other visitors as well as the exhibition installations and exhibits.
You will find vending machines offering drinks and snacks in the basement.
For a booked tour there is no minimum number of participants.
The bunkers are a historic construction. The ground is uneven in some places and there are also bridges with gridded floors. We recommend appropriate footwear.
Your visit
Historic Location
Barrier-free access