Forum of Contemporary History Leipzig
Description
The Haus der Geschichte Foundation began building its collection in 1986 with the aim of preserving contemporary history through tangible, engaging objects. Visitors encounter a wide range of exhibits, including everyday household items, official documents, films and other media, magazines, machines, furniture, textiles, and many other artifacts that together bring recent German history to life.
The collection now encompasses nearly one million items and continues to expand, with increasing attention given to digital objects alongside traditional physical exhibits. Each item—whether an object, document, or media piece—is selected based on clear criteria: it may be representative of its time (such as a Free German Youth blouse), entirely unique (like the handwritten “Schabowski Notes”), or associated with events of exceptional historical importance. Above all, every exhibit is chosen for its ability to engage visitors and to tell a compelling story, either on its own or in context with other objects.
A notable highlight is the duffle bag Elvis Presley carried with him in 1958 when he arrived in West Germany for military service. Modest in appearance, this object vividly illustrates the impact of American popular culture on postwar German society while also reflecting the broader political and cultural dynamics of the Cold War.