2 Exhibitions: The End of the War in 1945 in Erlangen—What Now?

On April 16, 1945, World War II came to an end in Erlangen with the city’s surrender without a fight. Unlike in other cities, the buildings and infrastructure had remained largely intact. The dismantling of the structures of the Nazi state and the reorganization of political, social, and economic life by the American occupying forces now presented a difficult task: People who had been deported by the Nazi regime, those displaced from their homes, and refugees had to be housed; the city’s growing population had to be provided with basic necessities; and public life and administration had to be reorganized. How this was achieved is the focus of two small exhibitions currently on view at the Erlangen City Archives, which will open on October 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. as part of an evening event.

In the period leading up to 2029, the City Archives will present an annual small-scale exhibition on key milestones in Erlangen’s postwar history up to the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949. The series kicks off with an exhibition of archival materials on the first free local election following Nazi rule and a poster exhibition created by students at the Albert Schweitzer Gymnasium in Erlangen in collaboration with the City Archives. In “‘Yesterday Must Give Way to Today.’ Erlangen 1945/46,” the students highlight what life was like in their city after the war, focusing on the resumption of school, the first Bergkirchweih festival, housing conditions, and cooperation with the American military government.

This presentation provides the thematic framework for the City Archives’ exhibition: “Erlangen Between End and Beginning: The Municipal Election in Erlangen on May 26, 1946.” What at first glance appears to be a rather unspectacular local election took place in 1946 under difficult conditions: it was the first democratic election in 13 years, with a complex demographic situation marked by people moving in and out, quartering and evictions, denazification measures, and so on. This particular election serves as a vivid illustration of just how many factors go into democratic elections, even at the local level.

The City Archives invites you to an opening event on Wednesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m., during which the students will present their exhibition to the public. Of course, there will also be an opportunity to view both exhibitions. Admission is free.

Opening hours for both exhibitions through January 28, 2027: Mon 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue and Thu 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Wed 8 a.m.–12 p.m. (hours may vary on holidays); groups also by appointment. Admission is free.

Location: Reading Room of the Erlangen City Archives, Luitpoldstr. 47 (entrance on Bernhard-Plettner-Ring)