Krefeld's Villa Merländer reopens with an immersive Nazi-era exhibition blending past and future
A newly redesigned exhibition at Villa Merländer in Krefeld is now open to the public. The display explores six key themes from the Nazi era, blending digital media with traditional elements like wooden crates of postcards for a tactile experience. The permanent exhibition covers the villa’s history, the Shoah, persecution of homosexuals, 'degenerate art,' and forced labour in Krefeld. Visitors can engage with digital screens showing historical photographs and personal stories of those affected. These screens, powered by an in-house server, offer user-friendly navigation, optional plain-language texts, and headphones for audio.
Sandra Franz, director of the NS Documentation Center, highlights the interactive nature of the exhibition. She encourages visitors to take an active role in exploring its content. Dr. Katharine Leiska, Krefeld’s cultural commissioner, calls it 'a living exhibition' that can be updated with new material over time. The redesign was led by Robert Muschalla and Franziska Penski, with funding from public institutions and private donors. Until the summer holidays, opening hours will vary, but weekend visits will be available from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the break. Schools can also access the exhibition’s content directly via mobile devices, making it a flexible educational resource. Wooden crates filled with postcards provide a physical contrast to the digital displays. This mix of old and new media aims to create a more immersive experience for all visitors.
The exhibition at Villa Merländer, 42 Friedrich-Ebert-Straße, is now accessible to the public. Its combination of digital and tactile elements ensures a dynamic way to learn about the Nazi era. Schools and individuals can explore the content both on-site and remotely, with updates planned for the future.
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