The Federal Archives holds numerous photographs, aerial photographs and posters documenting the history of the German state in its political, economic-social and cultural relations. The Federal Archives’ pictorial holdings begin with early depictions from the 17th century. The first photographs date back to 1860.
The collection focuses on pictorial documents relating to events and people from the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany. Also available are posters dating from the German Empire up to 2002 which focus on political parties and associations, elections, state propaganda and the public relations work of public authorities.
Most of the picture collections are stored at our Koblenz location. Additional picture collections can be found in Berlin-Lichterfelde, including the picture archive and poster collection of SAPMO, (the Foundation Archives of the Parties and Mass Organisations of the GDR in the Federal Archives). Around 385,000 images can be researched and ordered via our Digital Picture Archive.
When conducting your research, please keep in mind that in addition to the actual picture collections of the Federal Archives, images and posters can also found in thematic files and estates.
Use of Pictures
Most of our pictorial records are kept in Koblenz, where the reading room for pictures is open on all working days. Before visiting any of our locations, including the picture archive, we recommend registering in writing or over the phone, so that we can prepare for your visit.
The picture archive of the SAPMO houses a collection of pictures of the political parties and mass organisations of the GDR. It also contains photographs from before 1945. Materials are presented on the German labour movement, particularly the history of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) and the proletarian mass organisations. The SAPMO also has a poster collection. These items can be viewed alongside aerial pictures from the GDR in Berlin-Lichterfelde after prior registration.
You may have already stumbled upon this during your research, but we would like to quickly remind you about our Digital Picture Archive, which also contains pictures from the Federal Press Office. This lets you search for pictures from the comfort of your own desk or on the move.