Friedland – Perspectives of Migration

The Transit Camp from 1945 – today

Friedland transit camp has processed over four million people arriving in the Federal Republic of Germany since 1945. They have come as refugees and expellees, as released prisoners of war (POWs) and displaced persons (DPs), as ethnic German immigrants and people seeking refuge from many parts of the world. Some of them never forget the Friedland transit camp. For others, it is nothing more than a transitory stop – as soon as they leave the camp it is forgotten.

Friedland transit camp has repeatedly been the focus of public attention. The camp testifies to the consequences of the Second World War just as much as it does to present wars and crises around the globe. It mirrors the approaches and attitudes in the political and social spheres to the intake of people into Germany. It not only shows the dynamics of migration, but also the attempts to regulate and control it.

With its exhibits and displays, Friedland – Perspectives of Migration presents a fascinating insight into the history of the transit camp from 1945 to today. In the historic Friedland Station building, modern media and moving stories show how the tasks, function and significance of the transit camp have changed over the years. The exhibition traces the journeys of the people who have arrived here in the course of more than seventy years. And it raises questions which we are facing now: What drives people to leave their homes? How do they travel to Germany? How are they being received? And who is allowed to stay?

Friedland is a place where the perspectives of the German, European and global past and present converge. We invite you to find out more, and take part in the experience and discussions arising from this!