Opening of the exhibition Against Forgetting” in Treptow-Köpenick!

Opening of the exhibition Against Forgetting” in Treptow-Köpenick!

The memory of the horrors of National Socialism is receiving new impetus in Berlin. On July 1, 2025, the exhibition “Against Forgetting” will open in the JuJo youth leisure center at Winckelmannstrasse 56. This shows large-format portraits of survivors of Nazi persecution, which were captured by the photographer and filmmaker Luigi Toscano. The images are part of a global remembrance project that has been presented in important cities such as New York, Washington, Paris and Vienna since 2014. A total of 19 portraits will be shown for the first time in Treptow-Köpenick.

The exhibition runs until July 18, 2025, from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free, which underlines the accessibility of the important topics of racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination. Under the patronage of Youth City Councilor André Grammelsdorff, the connection between art and political commitment becomes clear.

Social relevance of memory

The accompanying presentation of school projects from nine schools in the district shows that young people are actively engaging with the biographies of those portrayed. This work is imperative at a time when group-based misanthropy is increasing and remembering the Nazi regime remains a challenge. Dr. Richard Lutz, CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG, makes it clear that remembering should not only take place in museums. Rather, it must be accessible and present for everyone in order to advance the social discussion about anti-Semitism and racism, which is also supported at the same time by the nationwide tour of the exhibition at 20 train stations.

Luigi Toscano has portrayed over 400 Holocaust survivors in recent years. His work attracted worldwide attention and was seen by around a million people. The impressive photographs measure 1.50 meters high and 2 meters wide and bear witness to the sadness and suffering of the Holocaust victims. The images are intended to serve as a memorial against forgetting and symbolize a clear stance for an open and solidarity-based society.

Culture of remembrance in Germany

The discussion of the German culture of remembrance has become more important in recent years, especially with the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust on January 27, 2025. Memorials and monuments represent central aspects of the remembrance policy landscape. Nevertheless, the challenge of integrating lesser-noticed victim groups into the discourse still remains.

The need for an enlightened and rational examination of the past, including the complex issues of Nazi ideology, is by no means just of a historical nature. Wolfgang Benz will publish further food for thought on the future of memory in spring 2025 in order to build a bridge between the past and the present.

The exhibition “Against Forgetting” is therefore not only a cultural event, but also an important step in Germany’s culture of remembrance. It promotes dialogue and critical debate, which are needed more than ever in our society.

For further information about the exhibition, please visit the website Berlin.de, DGPH.de and bpb.de.