Survivors, perpetrators, witnesses. Claude Lanzmann's interviews on the Holocaust
Bookable tour for groups and school classes
The exhibition Claude Lanzmann: The Recordings makes history audible. For the first time ever, the audio archive of Claude Lanzmann, filmmaker and chronicler of the Shoah, will be made accessible to the public. Previously unknown magnetic tapes document numerous conversations that he and his assistants conducted in the 1970s with Holocaust survivors, perpetrators, and others during their years of research for the film Shoah (1985). They were donated to the JMB and added to the world’s cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2023.
past event
Where
Old Building, ground level, “Meeting Point” in the Glass Courtyard
Lindenstraße 9–14, 10969 Berlin
The tour provides insights into Lanzmann’s research project and introduces the particularities of listening to historical audio sources. Participants have the opportunity to listen to audio interviews on a specific topic independently. Attentive listening reveals various aspects, such as the reluctance of victims to talk about their experiences, or strategies of denial and distraction on the part of the perpetrators. Before and after listening, there is time to discuss observations, thoughts, and feelings. The exchange about how we as listeners in the present perceive these recordings is part of the tour. Please note that the audio recordings contain reports of serious violent crimes.
Exhibition Claude Lanzmann: The Recordings: Features & Programs
Exhibition Webpage
Claude Lanzmann: The Recordings: 28 Nov 2025 to 12 Apr 2026
Conference
The Sound of History. Claude Lanzmann’s Preparation for Shoah: Conference from 9 to 10 Feb 2026
See also
- The Lanzmann Collection: Projects to catalog, preserve, and share the legacy of the audio cassettes from this holding of the Jewish Museum Berlin
- The Lanzmann Collection on the Oral-History.Digital (OH.D) online platform: All audio recordings from the Lanzmann Collection will be available on OH.D by the end of 2027 (registration required)
- JMB di.kla: Online offering on the topic of the Shoah for grades 11 and above
Where, when, what?
- Whenfully booked
- Duration90 minutes
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Where
Old Building, ground level, “Meeting Point” in the Glass Courtyard
Lindenstraße 9–14, 10969 Berlin
See location on map
Cost per group incl. entrance fee45 € for school groups
60 € for adults (reduced)
150 € for adultsBookingDue to high demand, unfortunately it is no longer possible to book this tour.
Contactt +49 (0)30 259 93 305 (Mon–Fri, 10 am–4 pm) visit@jmberlin.de
Number of perticipants up to 15 plus accompanying persons
Please note This workshop is suitable for adults or students ages 16 to 19.
LanguagesWe offer this tour in German and English.
