HUMAN
RESEARCH
―
HUMAN
DISPOSAL

In 2014, during construction on the premises of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity, and Eugenics, workers discovered both human and animal remains. Following systematic excavations, archaeologists identified additional remains, including 16,000 human bone fragments. Between 1927 and 1945, scientists at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity, and Eugenics conducted research on human heredity. During this period, they also examined the bones of both humans and animals from various regions around the world.

These specimens were stored in the Institute’s collections. After scientists had concluded their research, the bones likely held little remaining interest for the Institute and were disposed of accordingly. It is also possible that some researchers sought to conceal crimes by burying these bones.

Map of the historical ensemble of buildings. Red markings indicate the locations where remains of animals were unearthed. Blue markings indicate the locations where remains of humans and animals were unearthed. The sites are mainly located at the back of the Institute.
Discovery of bonesMarion Reis/Felix Wolter

This map shows the locations where, since 2014, remains of both humans and animals were unearthed from the former grounds of the Institute.

The picture shows three metal hooks and five round tags. The tags are two and one half centimeters in diameter and are labeled with numbers.
Tags and metal hooks found, 2023 Susan Pollock/Freie Universität Berlin

During the excavations, tags of a synthetic material and metal hooks were discovered, suggesting that the bones had been numbered and archived at the Institute. Nothing is known about the identities of the deceased. Out of respect for the victims of this dehumanizing research, we have not displayed photographs of the bone fragments.

The photograph shows people at a cemetery. They include the president of Freie Universität, Günter Ziegler. The group is standing in front of a memorial stone surrounded by wreaths. Many people have their hands folded. Two people are taking pictures.
Funeral service for burial of the human remains, 2023picture alliance/dpa/Monika Skolimowska

The human remains were buried in March 2023 at the Waldfriedhof Dahlem cemetery. The burial and a memorial stone were intended to restore dignity to the deceased. Representatives from various victim groups attended the funeral service.

Black and white photo. View of the main building of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity and Eugenics from Ihnestraße.
The main building of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity and Eugenics, after 1936 Archive of Max Planck Society, Berlin-Dahlem, Abt. VI. Rep. 1, Nr. KWI-Anthrop I/4b

Outdoor areaThe Institue

Photograph of three individuals in an examination room. One person wearing a dress or a long white lab coat is taking a picture from the side of a person sitting on a chair. The twin sister of the person being photographed is standing to one side.
A pair of twins being photographed at the Institute, around 1930 ullstein bild

BasementResearch

A photograph of the inner courtyard of Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin. There are many people in the courtyard. Eugen Fischer is standing on the balcony, giving a speech. A large banner with a swastika is hanging from the parapet.
Eugen Fischer at a speech at the Friedrich Wilhelm University Berlin, 1933 Süddeutsche Zeitung Photo/Scherl

Ground floorPolitics

Black and white photo. View of the main building of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity and Eugenics from Ihnestraße around 1933/34, with a swastika flag flying on a flagpole.
The main building of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Anthropology, Human Heredity and Eugenics, around 1933/34 Archive of Max Planck Society, Berlin-Dahlem, Abt. VI. Rep. 1, Nr. KWI-Anthrop I/4a

Upper floorCrimes

The second image is a photograph of a woman with dark skin, doctoral candidate Irawati Karvé. She is standing next to a table with a row of skulls.
Irawati Karvé with human skulls in the Institute’s “unpacking room”, date unknown Private Archive of Irawati Karvé/Urmilla Deshpande

AtticDehumanisation



IHNESTR. 22
14195 BERLIN

IHNESTR. 22
14195 BERLIN