House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany

The Haus der Geschichte (House of History) in Bonn is Germany's national museum of contemporary history, telling the story of the country from the end of World War II to today. Located in the former government quarter of the West German capital, it welcomes around 850,000 visitors a year, and admission is completely free. A brand-new permanent exhibition opened in December 2025, making it one of the most rewarding things to do in Bonn.

Where it is and how to get there

Bonn lies on the Rhine about 30 km south of Cologne; regional trains from Cologne take 20 to 30 minutes and accept the Deutschlandticket. The museum is on the Museumsmeile (Museum Mile) south of the city center. From Bonn Hauptbahnhof, take subway lines 16, 63 or 66 a few stops to Heussallee/Museumsmeile, or ride a regional train to Bonn UN Campus. From Cologne Bonn Airport, allow about 30 to 40 minutes by public transit. Drivers can use the Museumsmeile underground garage.

Why this museum matters

Bonn was the seat of government of West Germany from 1949 until reunification, and the museum stands right in that former political district. Chancellor Helmut Kohl proposed it in 1982, and it opened on June 14, 1994. Its exhibits trace how a defeated, divided country rebuilt itself, lived through the Cold War, and reunified in 1990. Even the building holds a surprise: construction crews uncovered a 2nd-century Roman cellar, now visible in the basement.

The new permanent exhibition

The permanent exhibition, "Du bist Teil der Geschichte. Deutschland seit 1945" (You Are Part of History: Germany since 1945), reopened on December 8, 2025 after a complete redesign costing about €25 million. Around 3,850 objects cover politics and everyday life in both East and West Germany. Highlights include:

• Chancellor Konrad Adenauer's Mercedes 300 official car
• the federal government's railway saloon car
• seats from the first Bundestag chamber
• Willy Brandt's Nobel Peace Prize certificate
• two original sections of the Berlin Wall

Temporary exhibitions in 2026 include "Nach Hitler" (After Hitler), about how Germany confronted National Socialism, running until January 10, 2027, and a show on abandoned "lost places" until spring 2027.

Opening hours and tickets

As of October 2026, the museum is open Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and on December 24 and 31. Admission is free for all exhibitions. Exhibit texts are primarily in German, so ask the visitor service about guided tours or English-language options before you go. Note that from October 8 to November 19, 2026, the entrance directly from the subway station is closed because of construction work.

Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially if you want to understand modern Germany beyond the usual castles and cathedrals. Plan at least two hours, or half a day with a temporary exhibition. The museum is largely wheelchair accessible, with elevators to every level, and there is a café inside. It makes an excellent day trip from Cologne.

Nearby

• Bundeskunsthalle and Kunstmuseum Bonn: two major art museums next door on the Museum Mile.
• Museum Koenig: a natural history museum one stop closer to downtown.
• Path of Democracy: a walking route through the former government quarter.
• Rheinaue Park: a large riverside park for a walk afterward.