Berlin Story Bunker – Tickets, History & Visitor Guide
The Berlin Story Bunker is a monumental WWII air-raid shelter (Anhalter Hochbunker) turned museum. Inside you’ll find the documentation “Hitler – How could it happen?” and the Berlin Story Museum across multiple floors with audio guides.
Plan your visit here: essentials on origins, capacity, wartime role, postwar uses, opening hours, and ticket options.
Origins & Uses (at a glance)
- Built: 1942 as the Anhalter Hochbunker beside the former Anhalter Bahnhof.
- Designed capacity: ~3,500 civilians; eyewitness reports indicate 10,000+ people crowded inside during late April 1945.
- Floor space today: approx. 6,500 m² over three floors of exhibitions.
- Wartime role: Civilian shelter; the surrounding area saw heavy fighting in April–May 1945.
- Postwar uses: Refugee camp (1950); later storage (Senatsreserve) before conversion to a museum.
- Today: Two major exhibitions incl. the Führerbunker documentation; self-guided with audio guide (DE/EN).
Key Facts – Plan Your Visit
Facts last checked: 19 Aug 2025
- Official name
- Berlin Story Bunker (Anhalter Hochbunker)
- Address
- Schöneberger Straße 23A, 10963 Berlin
- Typical hours
- Daily 10:00–19:00 (verify on the day)
- Exhibitions
- Hitler – How could it happen? & Berlin Story Museum
- Audio guide
- DE / EN (self-guided)
- Suggested time
- 90–120 minutes
- Photography
- Non-flash recommended; respect signage
- Good to combine
- Topography of Terror, Anhalter Bahnhof ruins, Potsdamer Platz
Exhibitions & What to Expect
Two complementary narratives under one roof: a clear, evidence-based documentation and a fast-track to 800 years of Berlin.
“Hitler – How could it happen?”
- Structured storyline from radicalization and propaganda to war and collapse.
- Authentic spaces & items contextualized; reconstruction of the Führerbunker’s layout explained.
- Audio guide in DE/EN; self-paced with clear wayfinding.
- Educational focus on mechanisms, responsibility, and consequences.
Tip: Start here if you want the deep dive; allow at least 60–90 minutes.
Berlin Story Museum
- Compact overview of ~800 years of city history with immersive panels and media.
- From medieval origins to modern metropolis: growth, crises, division, reunification.
- Good for families and visual learners; pairs well with the documentation.
Tip: If time is short, walk the highlight path first, then return to sections you find most relevant.
Responsible visiting
Please approach the site respectfully. Exhibits address sensitive topics; avoid glamorization and follow the house rules.
Smart Itineraries & On-Site Flow
Facts last checked: 19 Aug 2025
60-Minute Essentials
- Enter and follow the main route of “Hitler – How could it happen?”
- Use the audio guide highlights only.
- Finish with the final sections and exit via the shop.
90-Minute Deep Dive
- Full documentation route at steady pace (audio guide DE/EN).
- Pause at propaganda, resistance, and end-of-war sections.
- Short browse through Berlin Story Museum highlights.
120-Minute Museum + Nearby Walk
- Documentation + Berlin Story Museum highlights.
- Afterwards: walk to Anhalter Bahnhof ruins or Topography of Terror.
- Good daylight option; keep 10–15 min for the shop.
Flow & Crowd Tips
- Quietest times: weekday mornings or late afternoons.
- Rainy days are busier—book timed entry.
- Allow buffer before last entry (queues).
- Pick up audio guide immediately after entrance.
Accessibility & Comfort
- Stairs & concrete floors—wear comfortable shoes.
- Restrooms and seating points available (limited).
- Temperature can be cool—bring a light layer.
- Lockers/cloakroom: follow on-site signposting.
Responsible Visiting
Exhibits address sensitive topics. Be respectful, avoid glamorization, follow house rules, and supervise younger visitors.
FAQ – Berlin Story Bunker
Answers last updated: 19 Aug 2025
What is the Berlin Story Bunker?
A WWII high-rise air-raid shelter at the former Anhalter Bahnhof, now housing the documentation “Hitler – How could it happen?” and the Berlin Story Museum.
Where is it and how do I get there?
Schöneberger Straße 23A, 10963 Berlin. Walkable from S Anhalter Bahnhof, U Mendelssohn-Bartholdy-Park, or Potsdamer Platz. Check live transit for quickest route.
What are the opening hours?
Typically daily 10:00–19:00. Hours can vary on holidays or special events—confirm on the day of your visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
Not always required, but timed tickets help avoid queues—especially on weekends, holidays, and rainy days.
How long does a visit take?
Plan 90–120 minutes for the documentation plus museum highlights. A brisk essentials route can be done in about 60 minutes.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes, self-guided audio in German and English. Pick it up near the entrance and follow the marked route.
Is it suitable for children?
Content is sensitive and historically intense. Teens with interest in history may benefit; please supervise and consider individual maturity.
Is the site accessible?
Parts of the bunker involve stairs and concrete surfaces. Check the latest on lifts and assistance at the entrance or official info.
Can I take photos?
Non-flash photography is generally fine unless signage indicates otherwise. Please respect other visitors and exhibition rules.
Are bags allowed? Are there lockers?
Small bags are usually okay. For larger items, follow on-site instructions for lockers or cloakroom if available.
Is there a combined ticket with the museum?
The documentation and Berlin Story Museum are in the same bunker. Ticketing options may vary—check the current offer when booking.
What nearby sights can I combine it with?
Topography of Terror (free), Anhalter Bahnhof ruins, and Potsdamer Platz are within walking distance.
