Themenwoche „80 Jahre Kriegsende – Befreiung Europas vom Nationalsozialismus“

In the organizer's words:

Over 100 events throughout Berlin: exhibitions, concerts, theater, guided tours and much more

May 8, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The Reich capital Berlin surrendered on May 2, 1945 ─ six days later, the guns fell silent throughout Europe. The unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht and the occupation of Germany paved the way for peace.

Berlin is celebrating May 8 this year for the first time with a public holiday. With a theme week from May 2 to 11 and over 100 events throughout the city, the state of Berlin is honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, which marked the liberation of Europe from National Socialism.

Liberation of Europe from National Socialism on May 8, 1945

The core of the theme week will be the open-air exhibition "... peace at last? The exhibition paints a historically accurate picture of Europe's liberation from National Socialism, which required the complete military defeat of Germany, the surrender of the Wehrmacht and the subsequent occupation. How did the last days of the war unfold? What did the end of the war mean for the people? And what far-reaching consequences did the defeat of Nazi Germany have?

The exhibition can be seen on Pariser Platz from May 2 to 11. Free guided tours invite visitors to remember, ask questions and exchange ideas.

Go to the exhibition: https://kulturprojekte.berlin/ausstellung-kriegsende/

A first highlight of the theme week is the performance of the oratorio "Liberation" by composer Marc Sinan with artists and ensembles from six different European countries on May 2 at the Akademie der Künste. The peace concert is based on memories of Nazi persecutees and Holocaust survivors and sends a powerful musical signal for peace.

The works can also be experienced in an open-air sound installation on Pariser Platz until May 11.

To the event: https://kulturprojekte.berlin/oratorium-kriegsende/

During the theme week, over 50 partners will also be hosting exhibitions, readings, theater performances, discussions, guided tours, film screenings and concerts throughout Berlin.

To the program: https://kulturprojekte.berlin/festival/programmkalender-80-jahre-kriegsende/

A project by Kulturprojekte Berlin in cooperation with the Permanent Conference of Nazi Memorial Sites in Berlin, the Berlin Commissioner for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship and the Karlshorst Museum as well as numerous partners in Berlin. Initiated and funded by the State of Berlin.