The Arolsen Archives to Receive Their First Purpose-Built Archive Building

Climate-controlled storage rooms, state-of-the-art security systems, and space for 22 kilometers of archival shelving

Why has the world’s most comprehensive archive on victims of Nazi persecution, containing more than 30 million documents and references to around 17.5 million people, never had its own archive building? The answer lies in our organization’s history. The Arolsen Archives were not originally conceived as an archive. When their predecessor organization, the International Tracing Service (ITS), was founded after World War II, the documents primarily served one purpose – to find people. Index cards, lists, and detention records from concentration camps were seen as working materials, not archival documents requiring careful preservation. Especially in the immediate postwar years, office space was the top priority. Little thought was given to the need for dedicated long-term storage space.

From working materials to archival documents

The Arolsen Archives began deliberately expanding their holdings early on, supplementing the documents that had arrived in Bad Arolsen soon after the end of the Second World War under Allied orders.

The aim was to facilitate research and make it easier to reconstruct victims’ fates. Today, both the physical and digital collections continue to grow: selected personal papers bequeathed to the organization and special collections, such as documents relating to the Lebensborn homes, are accepted as originals after careful examination. At the same time, collaborative projects with other institutions, such as archives in Ukraine, are contributing to the growth of the Arolsen Archives’ digital holdings.

The entire collection is currently stored at various local sites. While conditions comply with professional archival standards, these facilities were not originally designed for archival storage.

22 kilometers of shelving for the collection

The significance of the new building goes far beyond providing urgently needed storage space for the documents. It reflects the evolution of the Arolsen Archives from a tracing service established in the immediate postwar period to an international institution dedicated to remembrance, research, and education. Clarifying individual fates on the basis of information contained in historical records remains a core task of the Arolsen Archives. But new areas of responsibility have been added – educational programs for present-day audiences, digitization, events, workshops, and international collaboration programs. The new building will provide space for these activities as well, and the plans incorporate a multifunctional conference and exhibition area among other elements.

The facility will provide capacity for a total of 22,000 linear meters of archival shelving, including additional reserves for future acquisitions. If placed end to end, the shelves would span the length of a half marathon.

The project is being implemented by the Institute for Federal Real Estate (BImA) in partnership with the federal construction authorities in Hesse.

The International Commission, the governing body of the Arolsen Archives, described the groundbreaking ceremony as “a new milestone in the remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust and Nazi crimes.”

The Commission also emphasized the importance of the new building for preserving the memory of the victims for future generations: “The world’s largest archive dedicated to the victims and survivors of Nazi persecution will find its home in a state-of-the-art facility, built to the highest standards of preservation and conservation. This new building stands as a testament to the victims, survivors of Nazi crimes, and their families – a strong affirmation that the international community recognizes, honors, and preserves the memory of their persecution. It is a declaration of our common commitment to upholding historical truth and safeguarding the records of a history that continues to shape our international order today, for the generations to come.”

The building’s exterior: Form follows function

The façade of the new building, made of red-colored prefabricated concrete elements, is reminiscent of archive boxes – a deliberate nod to the purpose of the building. At the same time, the design reflects the unique nature of the collection: millions of individual documents, life stories, and destinies come together to form a picture of the past.

The building’s interior: State-of-the-art technology safeguards the collections

Climate-controlled storage rooms will provide ideal conditions for the long-term preservation of the documents. A special oxygen-reduction fire prevention system protects the documents by minimizing the risk of water damage caused by firefighting efforts. Safety standards, load-bearing capacities, and technical specifications have been consistently aligned with the specific requirements of a state-of-the-art archive.

For the first time in its history, the collection will be stored under conditions befitting its historical significance and global importance as part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World. The new building sends a clear message: the memory of the victims of Nazi persecution will be preserved and will remain accessible for generations to come.

Moritz Wein, Director of the Arolsen Archives. Photo: Julio Francesco

Follow the building work here: the image is updated every 15 minutes.