At the heart of the reopening is the new exhibition Memory Is …, which features 22 poignant exhibits that invite reflection on the past. One of the central pieces is “Chanele,” a 30-centimeter-tall marionette created in 1936 by Jewish artist Maria Luiko (1904–1941), who was later deported with her mother and sister to Kaunas, Lithuania, where they were murdered. Chanele once belonged to the Jewish ensemble of the Munich Marionette Theater. Today, she serves as a powerful symbol of cultural memory in an exhibition curated by Karolina Kühn and Ulla-Britta Vollhardt. At an audio station, writer Lena Gorelik explores Chanele’s legacy, emphasizing: “Like every story, Chanele’s can be told in many ways.”
This idea reflects the guiding philosophy of the Documentation Center: remembrance is never one-dimensional. Since its founding ten years ago, the institution has aimed to present history in a nuanced and contemporary manner—now with a stronger focus on inclusivity.
The most visible changes can be seen in the redesigned entrance area. The new foyer is filled with natural light and features a more open and welcoming layout. A bookstore and a café with an outdoor terrace now complement the space and are open to the public, independent of exhibition visits. The flexible interior also allows for a broader cultural program, including concerts, readings, and public discussions.
The permanent exhibition Munich and National Socialism has also been updated to reflect current developments. New additions include coverage of the 2016 far-right extremist attack at the Olympia shopping center. According to the Center’s director, Mirjam Zadoff, this ongoing effort to stay relevant is crucial: “It’s no longer a given that this work can continue—so we are deeply grateful that our house is once again open to all.”
Further details on events and programs related to the reopening can be found on the Center’s website.
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