Courtroom 600 was selected because it was one of the few buildings in Nuremberg with a large enough courtroom that survived Allied bombing raids.
The courtroom's original wood paneling and judicial benches remain in place, though the layout was slightly altered to accommodate the media and judges during the 1945 trials.
The trials introduced the precedent of 'crimes against peace' and 'crimes against humanity' into international law.
When the court is in session for active legal cases, access to Courtroom 600 is strictly prohibited for visitors.
The exhibition utilizes the original elevator used to transport defendants from the prison cells directly into the courtroom.
The Memorium Nuremberg Trials is located in the East Wing of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, the exact site where the International Military Tribunal conducted proceedings against major Nazi war criminals starting in 1945. The museum is centered around Courtroom 600, which remains an active judicial venue today. Permanent exhibitions document the history of the trials, their legal significance in the development of modern international criminal law, and their long-term impact on global human rights. Visitors can observe the courtroom from a gallery, provided it is not currently in use for judicial proceedings. Interactive displays and archival film footage provide context on the individual defendants and the complexities of the prosecution. The facility serves as both an educational center and a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It provides comprehensive documentation on the challenges faced by the Allied powers in establishing accountability for state-sponsored atrocities. The museum is integrated into the city’s broader historical sites, functioning as a critical component of Nuremberg's post-war identity.
The view from the visitor gallery looking down into Courtroom 600.
Check the official website’s calendar immediately before your arrival to see if Courtroom 600 is open to the public on that specific day.
Download the digital audio guide before entering, as the exhibits are text-heavy and provide deep technical details on legal procedures.
Allow extra time for security screening procedures upon entering the Palace of Justice.
Attempting to visit on a Monday, when the facility is closed, or arriving without checking for temporary courtroom closures.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a memorial site; photography is permitted in the exhibition areas but subject to strict rules in the courtroom.
