Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about your visit and what the Memorial and Place of Encounter has to offer
When is the Bonhoeffer House open? Do I need to book my visit in advance?
The Bonhoeffer House is open to individual visitors and small groups during regular opening hours: guided tours in German start at 10 a.m. every Saturday, followed by a tour in English at 11 a.m.
Visits, guided tours, and educational programs for larger groups (up to 30 people) can also be arranged by appointment.
On public holidays or during special events, different rules may apply, which will be announced on the website.
In all cases, please register in advance so that we can prepare for your visit or contact you if necessary.
What is available for groups such as school classes or church youth/confirmation classes?
We offer educational programs for groups that can be adapted to the age and interests of the participants. For school classes, we hold workshops and seminars lasting 2-4 hours, or we are also happy to accompany school projects lasting several days. As a church location, we are also very happy to welcome confirmation groups.
Please note that our educational programs are–as of now–mainly carried out in German! We are working on international offerings. And we are looking forward to work with you to adapt and develop our materials for preparation and follow-up to suit your needs.
What is the exhibition about? And how much time should I plan for?
The exhibition in the Bonhoeffer House tells the story of the life and thinking of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, his family, and their resistance to National Socialism. The photo collages by artist Matthias Frach from 1987 offer deep insights into the period of church struggle and political resistance and provide inspiration for discussion and further study. You should allow 60-90 minutes for a guided tour. However, those in a hurry can also take a 15-minute tour of the historic rooms and visit Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s study in the attic of the house, which has been largely restored to its 1943 condition.
What types of events are held at the Bonhoeffer House? And how can I find out about them?
We regularly host readings, lectures, and other events. Popular formats include our matinees on Saturday mornings, the musically series “Teatime at Bonhoeffer’s”, and our “Political Salon”.
Information on current dates can be found on the website, or you can subscribe to our newsletter.
Please note that our events are usually carried out in German and on site. Please keep an eye out for hybrid events that we broadcast live online and/or are aimed at an international audience.
What is the best way to get to the Bonhoeffer House? What about accessibility?
he Bonhoeffer House is located in Berlin’s Westend neighborhood in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district and is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest S-Bahn station is Heerstraße. Free parking is available in the residential area. The address is: Marienburger Allee 43, 14055 Berlin.
The house is a historic building dating from 1935. We strive to ensure accessibility, but are limited by the building’s structure. The photo collage exhibition is currently only accessible visually. If in doubt, please contact us in advance so that we can find solutions together.
Can I use rooms in the Bonhoeffer House as a venue for my own events?
Yes, the Bonhoeffer House can be rented for conferences, retreats, or events, provided that the spirit of the historic site is respected. A seminar room for up to 30 people is available. Shared use of the equipment, library, kitchen, terrace, and garden is possible.
Overnight stays in the house are not possible. For local catering, we recommend ADIKs Stehcafé, which is within walking distance. Should you want any help planning your stay, please contact us.
What options do I have to support the Bonhoeffer House financially or as a volunteer?
You can support the work of the house through donations, a supporting membership, or a testamentary disposition. In addition, we welcome volunteer work in many areas: from accompanying visitor groups to helping with events to supporting public relations and association organization, keeping up with social media, translating and much more. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to get involved. Many things can also be done remotely from all over the world!
Questions about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, his family, and his time
Who was Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a Protestant theologian who played a central role in the church struggle during National Socialism. He advocated for a church that would remain independent of state influence and stand up for others. He was therefore involved in the Confessing Church and headed the Finkenwalde Preachers’ Seminary. Bonhoeffer was also a supporter of political resistance.
How important was his family to his thinking and actions?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer grew up in an upper-class, cosmopolitan, and educated family. His parents instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility toward society and politics. This family influence, his faith, and his commitment to ecumenism shaped Dietrich’s attitude and responsible actions. In addition to Dietrich, his brother Klaus and his brothers-in-law Hans von Dohnanyi and Ruediger Schleicher were also murdered for their resistance to the Nazis.
What are Bonhoeffer’s most important writings and books?
His best-known writings include “Cost of Discipleship”, “Life Together”, “After Ten Years”, and his “Ethics”, which was published posthumously and survives only in unfinished fragments. His letters and notes from prison, published originally under the title “Resistance and Submission” by his best friend and biographer Eberhard Bethge, still impress people worldwide and continue to shape theology and ethics to this day.
What happened in what is now the Bonhoeffer House? Was he arrested here?
Life in the Bonhoeffer family home at Marienburger Allee 43 was characterized by the spirit and style of upper-class life, musically evenings and political discussions, an awareness of social responsibility–and determined resistance to the ideology and tyranny of National Socialism. This is where Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived and worked. This is where he worked on his “Ethics” and wrote his assessment “After Ten Years.” This is where he conspired with confidants. And this is where he was arrested by the Gestapo on April 5, 1943.