Site Records

Site Name: Leistikowstrasse KGB Prison

1 Leistikowstrasse
Potsdam
East Germany

Sub Brit site visit 16th April 2006

The isolation cells have darker paintwork inside and an almost completely blocked window. The normal cells are fairly wide, but the isolation cells are scarcely wider than a person.

There is a gate across the corridor at the end where there is a stairwell leading upstairs and a right turn to more of the cells.

Gary Powers

At the end of the corridor is a steel door leading to the basement, which contained the condemned cells. This is closed to the public owing to damage from water ingress which has led to a poor state of repair.

The stairs lead to the first floor. The guards' offices were up here, and have the traditional German tiled stoves in most rooms in contrast to the unheated cells. These rooms have full-sized windows and are used for the exhibitions on the work of Amnesty International.

There are also some slightly better cells, which were used to temporarily house the transfer prisoners, such as Gary Powers, prior to release.

The building stands in its own yard. Photographs displayed at the prison show that there was a fence or sightscreen across the yard obscuring the view to the doors.

The building is in a reasonable state of repair but suffers from damp and much of the paintwork is peeling. It will be maintained, but not restored to perfect condition.

Photo:'Squat' toilets providing o privacy
Photo by Nick Catford

THE SITE TODAY
The owners are determined to preserve the house as both a memorial to those who suffered at the hands of the then regime and also as an exhibition and education centre. There are exhibitions concerning the experiences of the former inmates, other countries in the world where similar prisons still exist, and the work of Amnesty International. Former inmates have helped in this work. The building has suffered from water ingress and decay, and the aim of the owners is to arrest the deterioration, but not to fully restore the site. The house is normally open from the beginning of May and the end of October, but it can be opened upon request for interested parties at any time, and English-speaking guides are available.

Website: www.kgb-gefaengnis.de
Sources: The prison exhibition
Mike Barton