Excursion to the Prison Museum: Experience history up close!

Excursion to the Prison Museum: Experience history up close!

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Glasmoor Correctional Facility in Norderstedt will open its doors for an exciting excursion to the prison museum. Under the motto “300 square meters of prison history”, those interested can immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of the penal system from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The participation fee is just 10 euros per person, a good deal for anyone interested in the history of our legal system.

The exhibition includes original objects from various Hamburg prisons, which provide a vivid insight into life behind bars. Among other things, hash pipes, tattoo equipment, improvised weapons and escape tools can be seen. These exhibits tell stories of yesteryear and illuminate the challenges and realities that inmates and staff experienced in the prison world. The event is accompanied by expert tours that provide background information and exciting anecdotes from everyday prison life.

Insights into prison history

The Hamburg Prison Museum, which also provides information about the history of the Hamburg penal system from 1270 to the present, complements the excursion with a historical overview. The exhibits shown there address everything from death and corporal punishment in the Middle Ages to today's prison sentence. These perspectives are not only of interest to historians, but also provide an important educational function for the general population about deprivation of liberty and the social responsibility of judicial personnel. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are gladly accepted. The work of future professionals in the prison system is also discussed here, which makes the museum a valuable training location.

The historical framework of the penal system in Germany is determined by the correctionalinstitution.org illuminated. Penitentiaries were built as early as the 17th century and served not only to house criminals, but also “unwelcome citizens” such as beggars and prostitutes. The change in the penal system from harsh work sanctions to rehabilitation is a fascinating topic that will be further explored during the excursion.

Another chapter of the Enlightenment

The excursion also offers the opportunity to learn more about the development of the penal system today. As early as 1972, the Federal Constitutional Court presented the demand for legal regulation of the penal system, which ultimately resulted in the Penal Enforcement Act (StVollzG) in 1977. The aim of these reforms was always the resocialization of prisoners, which also plays a central role in modern prisons.

To register and for further information, those interested can visit the Norderstedt Adult Education Center website at www.vhs-norderstedt.de Visit, or call 040 535 95-900. Alternatively, registration is possible online and in person at the VHS center as well as by email to info@vhs-norderstedt.de.

This event is an excellent opportunity to engage with an area of ​​our society that often remains in the shadows. An exciting journey through the history of the penal system awaits you!