Wanting to Know Everything in Potsdam: Exhibition about the Stasi and its documents

An exhibition about control, memory, and the power of files

On July 17, 2026, the Brandenburg State Parliament in Potsdam will open its doors for an exhibition that not only explains history but makes it tangible: Wanting to Know Everything. The Stasi and Its Documents. Between display cases, QR codes, and original objects, a documentary panorama of surveillance in the GDR unfolds – compelling, precise, and of high contemporary historical relevance. Admission is free, and the opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/veranstaltung/alles-wissen-wollen-die-stasi-und-ihre-dokumente-5))

When documents become witnesses

The traveling exhibition presents 21 objects from the collections of the Stasi Documents Archive in seven display cases. Documents, index cards, audio tapes, and photographs illustrate the logic of a system that wanted to know everything, organize everything, and control everything. A particular focus is on historical backgrounds and biographical approaches, which are deepened through QR codes at the display cases. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/veranstaltung/alles-wissen-wollen-die-stasi-und-ihre-dokumente-5))

A place with political aura

The Brandenburg State Parliament at Alter Markt 1 in 14467 Potsdam adds additional weight to the exhibition. The parliamentary building represents democratic public life, while the exhibition represents the processing of a dictatorship – this contrast creates a dense reading atmosphere in the broader sense, a literary-sounding, yet historically grounded experience of cultural memory. The location is wheelchair accessible; there are wheelchair spaces, induction loops, and orientation aids available. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/veranstaltung/alles-wissen-wollen-die-stasi-und-ihre-dokumente-5))

For visitors with a need for orientation

Those preparing for the visit will find clear information about access, admission, and accessibility at the Brandenburg State Parliament. Disabled parking is available in the immediate vicinity at Alter Markt, and the public areas are designed for barrier-free use. This makes the exhibition visit planable and pleasant – especially for an audience that wants to experience historical education consciously and without barriers. ([landtag.brandenburg.de](https://www.landtag.brandenburg.de/de/barrierefreiheit/12399?utm_source=openai))

Why this date is important

Wanting to Know Everything. The Stasi and Its Documents combines archival work, political education, and cultural memory into a precise, impressive format. Those who want to understand how power becomes visible in files, images, and administrative logics will find a demanding access point to German contemporary history here. A visit is worthwhile for everyone who wants to not only view exhibitions but engage with them intellectually. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/veranstaltung/alles-wissen-wollen-die-stasi-und-ihre-dokumente-5))

Conclusion: This exhibition takes you straight into the mechanisms of surveillance and processing. Those who appreciate historical depth, strong sources, and a special place in Potsdam should experience the event live. ([potsdam.de](https://www.potsdam.de/de/veranstaltung/alles-wissen-wollen-die-stasi-und-ihre-dokumente-5))

Official channels of the Brandenburg State Parliament:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtagbrandenburg/
• Facebook: no official profile found
• Website: https://www.landtag.brandenburg.de/de/startseite/25807
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LandtagBrandenburg
• X: https://x.com/Brandenburg_LT

Sources:

• City of Potsdam – Events Calendar
• Federal Archives – Traveling Exhibition at the Brandenburg State Parliament
• Brandenburg State Parliament – Accessibility
• Brandenburg State Parliament – Access, Entry, and Opening Hours
• Brandenburg State Parliament – Imprint