8 May
80 years since the end of the war
8 May marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe
Berlin commemorates this historic date with a one-off public holiday and a diverse program of events throughout the city.
The centrepiece is the open-air exhibition »… Peace at last?!«, which is open to visitors on 8 May and beyond. Take one of the free guided exhibition tours or discover the “Befreiung” (Liberation) sound installation on Pariser Platz.
The Academy of Arts will host a special programme on 8 May, which will complement the program at Pariser Platz. Academic, artistic and controversial contributions will offer different perspectives on this historic date. The focus is on people’s everyday experiences at the end of the Second World War and the significance of commemorative rituals today.
Discover the program at Pariser Platz and take part in one of the events
Visit one of the many programme points throughout the city
In addition, more than 50 partner will offer a comprehensive programme of over 100 events throughout Berlin as part of the week-long commemorative events.
8 May 1945: The end of WWII in Europe and the liberation from National Socialism
On 8 May 1945, the German Wehrmacht surrendered unconditionally. The Second World War, which Germany had begun on 1 September 1939, ended with its total military defeat. For this to take effect, it had to be signed by the commanders of each branch of the armed forces – the army, the air force and the navy. This took place on 8 May 1945 at the Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst. And with that, the Second World War in Europe was officially over.
The war resulted in a minimum of 60 million fatalities. Millions more fell victim to the largest racist mass murders in world history. These were perpetrated by Germans and their accomplices under the guise of war, yet far removed from all acts of war. The Shoah resulted in the demise of six million Jews, and at least half a million Sinti*zze and Rom*nja were systematically murdered.
In light of this historical backdrop, the 8th of May 1945 emerged as a pivotal moment in the context of global political order and remembrance.
Vist the online exhibition »… Peace at last?!«. for more more insights regearding the events of the final days of the war: What did the end of the war mean for people at the time? And what were the far-reaching consequences of the defeat of Nazi Germany?