The Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse

The Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse, or Nuremberg Trials Memorial, is located inside the historic Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany. It commemorates the trials held after the Second World War, which prosecuted Nazi leaders for war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity. The proceedings helped establish principles of modern international criminal law, including individual criminal responsibility and due process.

The memorial includes a permanent exhibition and access to Courtroom 600, where the trials took place. Its displays use original artifacts, documents, photographs, recordings, archival footage, and multimedia presentations to explain the trials, their defendants, and their continuing legal and historical significance. The site also invites reflection on justice, accountability, and the fight against impunity.

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History and legal legacy

The Allied powers—the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union—convened the Nuremberg Trials after the Second World War. Nuremberg was a symbolic choice: the city had hosted Nazi Party rallies and was the site of the 1935 Nuremberg Laws, which institutionalized racial discrimination. It was also a practical choice because the Palace of Justice and its prison remained intact after the war. The International Military Tribunal (IMT) was established in August 1945.

The main trial ran from November 20, 1945, to October 1, 1946. Accounts of the defendants differ: one describes 24 leading Nazi officials and eight organizations being prosecuted; another describes 21 prominent officials, and the exhibition account refers to 21 leading Nazi officials. Named defendants included Hermann Göring and Rudolf Hess. The trial resulted in 12 death sentences, three acquittals, and prison sentences; one account specifies seven prison sentences. It was the first time crimes against humanity were prosecuted.

Twelve subsequent trials were conducted by American military tribunals between 1946 and 1949. They addressed people and institutions across the Nazi regime, including doctors, industrialists, jurists, and military leaders.

The Palace of Justice was built between 1909 and 1916 in the Neo-Renaissance style. Courtroom 600, in the east wing, was enlarged in 1945 under Boston architect Dan Kiley to accommodate judges, prosecutors, defense teams, the press, and international observers. Its lighting and spectator galleries were adapted for the trials, and the adjacent prison provided secure accommodation for defendants. After the trials, the courtroom was restored to its original design.

The trials established principles that influenced international criminal law, including individual responsibility for crimes, the rejection of “just following orders” as a defense, and the right to a fair trial with a defense and the ability to present evidence. The legal legacy also includes principles concerning crimes against humanity, including genocide, extermination, and persecution. Their influence extended to the Genocide Convention of 1948 and the Geneva Conventions of 1949, and helped establish precedents for later tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the ICTY, the ICTR, and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The trials also continue to inform debates about universal jurisdiction and state sovereignty.

The proceedings pioneered simultaneous interpretation in English, French, German, and Russian. IBM developed the first simultaneous interpreting system, a practice now standard in international courts. American prosecutor Robert Jackson’s opening statement included: “The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant and so devastating that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored, because it cannot survive their being repeated.”

The trials forced German society and the wider world to confront Nazi atrocities. The Memorium documents how the trials have been remembered and interpreted in Germany and internationally, and explains their ongoing influence on international justice.

What to see

Courtroom 600

Courtroom 600 is the original courtroom where the trials took place. Visitors can view it from the gallery, from a vantage point similar to that of international observers during the proceedings. Its features include wooden panels, a marble-encased door, a bronze crucifix, statues symbolizing Roman and Germanic law, and four large windows. Benches represent the prisoners’ dock; archival footage and photographs have also been projected onto the courtroom walls.

Accounts of its current use differ. One describes Courtroom 600 as an active courtroom that may be unavailable during legal proceedings. Another says it has not been used for judicial proceedings since March 2020, while noting that access can still be restricted for special events or official functions. Check its availability before visiting.

Permanent exhibition

The permanent exhibition is described as being on the top floor of the Palace of Justice and one floor above Courtroom 600. It covers the trials of 1945–1946, the twelve subsequent trials, the defendants and their crimes, and the development of international criminal law.

Displays include original artifacts, parts of the original dock from Courtroom 600, historical audio and video recordings, photographs, documents, and multimedia presentations. Information boards profile the main defendants. World-map displays illustrate armed conflicts and war crimes from 1945 to 2000, and thematic sections trace the evolution of war-crimes jurisprudence. Visitors can also see remnants of the original prison where defendants were held through a window in the exhibition hall.

The exhibition addresses the trials’ legacy, their influence on modern tribunals and the ICC, and the culture of remembrance in Germany and around the world. The Memorium does not house the original trial documents; these are primarily held at the Peace Palace in The Hague and the U.S. National Archives, and many documents can be accessed online.

Temporary exhibitions and events

The Memorium hosts temporary exhibitions and events related to the trials and their legacy. From May 14 to July 6, 2025, the Cube 600 gallery is scheduled to display “Albert Speer in der Bundesrepublik. Vom Umgang mit deutscher Vergangenheit,” about postwar narratives around Albert Speer. Entry to temporary events is often free, though registration may be required for openings.

Practical visiting information

Location and getting there

The memorial is inside the Palace of Justice at Bärenschanzstraße 72, 90429 Nürnberg, Germany. Another listed address for the Palace is Fürther Str. 110, 90429 Nürnberg, Germany.

The site is approximately 2.5–3 kilometers from Nuremberg’s historic city center. The U1 subway line stops at Bärenschanze, a short walk from the entrance; bus and tram lines also serve the area. Nuremberg Central Station is described as a 15-minute walk away. The site is also within walking or cycling distance of the city center.

Parking near the Palace is limited, and there is no on-site parking. Limited bus parking is available nearby on Fürther Strasse. Public transport is recommended.

Contact

Phone: +49 (0)911 231 - 28 614
Email: [email protected]

Opening hours

The supplied information gives several different schedules:

One schedule lists Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, closed Mondays and public holidays, with last admission at 5:00 PM.
Another lists Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm, closed Tuesdays. Under that schedule, last admission is 5:45 pm for individual visitors and 5:30 pm for groups.
Seasonal hours are also listed:
- April 1–October 31 Monday and Wednesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Tuesdays.
- November 1–March 31 Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Tuesdays.

Special holiday hours may apply. Courtroom access can also vary, so check the official information before visiting.

Tickets and admission

Admission prices are reported differently in the supplied information:

Adults: €6; reduced admission: €3 for students and seniors; children under 18: free.
Standard admission: approximately €7.50, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups.
Adults: €7.50; reduced admission for students and seniors: €2.50; school classes: €2.00 per student; groups of 15 or more: €7.00 per person; families: €8.00; NÜRNBERG CARD holders: free entry.

Tickets can be bought online or at the entrance. Online purchases carry a 10% service fee; tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Booking ahead is recommended during peak seasons and for tours. Groups of 10 or more and school classes must arrange bookings by email.

Two prices are listed for an upgrade to a day ticket granting same-day admission to other Nuremberg municipal museums: €4.00 and €3.00. Personalized annual season tickets are available for all Nuremberg Municipal Museums.

Tours and audio guides

A complimentary audio guide is included with admission to the permanent exhibition. Languages listed are German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Polish, and Chinese. Other descriptions mention audio guides in several languages, including English, German, and French, with presentations tailored for adults and children. Video guides are available for hearing-impaired visitors.

Regular public guided tours are offered, including English-language tours. The listed English tour times differ: Saturdays at 11:00 am and Sundays at 2:00 pm in one schedule, and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:10 AM in another. Check the tour schedule for current details. Special thematic tours and expert-led events are held periodically, and pre-registration may be required.

Group tours must be booked at least three weeks in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling +49 (0)911 231 - 28 614. Tour fees are listed as an additional €3.00 per person or €2.00 reduced, on top of admission. Private tours are also available, including tours that combine the Palace of Justice with Nuremberg’s Old Town.

Accessibility and facilities

The exhibition is described as barrier-free, with elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Information also describes the site as fully wheelchair accessible, including Courtroom 600, and as certified for people with walking disabilities but only partially accessible for wheelchair users. Stroller access is also reported. Other provisions include accommodations for cognitive impairments, partial accommodations for deaf visitors, video guides for hearing-impaired visitors, and seating throughout the exhibition. Only assistance dogs are permitted.

Lockers are available at the entrance and in the third-floor stairwell. The facility has a cloakroom with lockers and coat racks, restrooms including accessible toilets, and a museum shop selling books, souvenirs, and educational materials. There are no food or drink services on site; cafés and snack bars are within walking distance.

Photography and duration

Photography is described as allowed throughout the museum, including Courtroom 600. Another account notes that restrictions may apply in the courtroom depending on legal proceedings or other court use.

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the exhibition and Courtroom 600.

Tips for visiting

Check the current opening hours and Courtroom 600’s availability before your visit.
Book tickets and tours ahead, especially during peak seasons. Groups of 10 or more should arrange bookings in advance.
Use the multilingual audio guide and the exhibition’s multimedia displays.
Contact the Memorium in advance about specific accessibility needs or group visits.
Visits are recommended for children aged 14 and above, especially those familiar with National Socialism; parental discretion is advised. Child-friendly audio guides are available, but some content may be intense for young children.
One set of visitor recommendations describes weekdays as less crowded and spring to autumn as pleasant for visiting.
An optional day-ticket upgrade provides entry to other municipal museums on the same day. NÜRNBERG CARD holders receive free admission and public transport.
Some guide material also mentions the Audiala app and an official audio-guide app as additional resources.

Nearby places

Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds A museum about Nazi history and the regime.
Zeppelin Field Remains of the Nazi parade grounds, accessible on foot from the Documentation Center.
Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg) A medieval fortress with panoramic views.
St. Lorenz Church.
Altstadt (Old Town) Includes medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, restaurants, shops, and Hauptmarkt.
Albrecht Dürer’s Grave In Johannisfriedhof cemetery.
Ehekarussell (Marriage Carousel) An artistic fountain at Weißer Turm.
Henkerhaus (Hangman’s House) A museum about Nuremberg’s crime history.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum A cultural history museum.
Tucher Mansion and Hirsvogel Hall Associated with Renaissance merchant history.
Trödelmarkt A market on an island in the Pegnitz River.

Nuremberg’s public transportation system connects the sites. Local specialties mentioned for visitors to try include Nürnberger Rostbratwurst and Lebkuchen, especially during Christmas.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse visiting hours?
The reported schedules differ. One lists Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, closed Mondays and public holidays. Another lists Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm, closed Tuesdays. Seasonal hours are also given as Monday and Wednesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, and weekends, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, from April 1 to October 31; and Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, from November 1 to March 31. Check current hours before visiting.

How can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online or at the entrance. Online purchases carry a 10% service fee. Group bookings and school-class visits must be arranged by email.

How much does admission cost?
The supplied prices include adult admission of €6 or €7.50; reduced admission of €3 or €2.50; school-class admission of €2.00 per student; group admission of €7.00 per person for groups of 15 or more; family admission of €8.00; and free entry for children under 18 or NÜRNBERG CARD holders. The day-ticket upgrade is listed as €3.00 or €4.00.

Can I visit Courtroom 600?
Yes. It is part of the visitor experience, although access may occasionally be restricted for legal proceedings, special events, or official functions.

Are guided tours available in English?
Yes. English tours are offered, with schedules reported as Saturdays at 11:00 am and Sundays at 2:00 pm, or Saturdays and Sundays at 11:10 AM. Group and private tours are also available.

Is the memorial accessible for visitors with disabilities?
The site has elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and other accommodations. The supplied descriptions differ on whether wheelchair access is full or partial; contact the Memorium in advance about specific needs.

Can I take photographs inside?
Photography is generally allowed, including in Courtroom 600, though restrictions may apply there depending on court use.

Can children visit?
The Memorium recommends visits for children aged 14 and above, with parental discretion advised.