What Could They Do? Experience Resistance at the City Archive Erlangen
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An exhibition about courage, conscience, and scopes of action during National Socialism
The traveling exhibition "What Could They Do? Resistance Against National Socialism 1939-1945" is hosted at the City Archive of Erlangen, focusing on one of the most pressing questions of contemporary history: What forms of resistance were even possible under a brutal dictatorship? According to the City of Erlangen, the exhibition will be on display until September 24, 2026, and admission is free. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/en/aktuelles/was-konnten-sie-tun-?utm_source=openai))
Historical precision instead of pathos
The exhibition was presented by the German Resistance Museum in cooperation with the Foundation July 20, 1944, and shows the variety of resistant actions on informative panels. It looks not only at open protest but also at quiet refusal, political counter-speech, assistance for the persecuted, and other scopes that existed even in the dictatorship. In this way, history is made tangible not as a distant museum tableau but as an ethical challenge. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/en/aktuelles/was-konnten-sie-tun-?utm_source=openai))
A unique artistic experience: space, light, concentration
Although it is a historical exhibition and not a classic art show, the presentation unfolds an impressive exhibition atmosphere. In the reading room of the city archive, concentrated work observation meets archival calm. The clear, factual presentation enhances the aesthetic experience of reading, viewing, and reflecting. This reduced curation lends dignity and resonance to the topic.
Education, remembrance, and discussion
The City Archive of Erlangen sees itself as a place of historical research, mediation, and cultural education. For interested visitors, the exhibition opens a field between archives, city history, and remembrance culture. The city archive also points to educational offerings, guided tours, and events for school classes, students, and individuals. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/themenseite/informationsservice/stadtarchiv?config=stadtarchiv_erlangen&r=1&vid=411366_2026-05-06T08%3A00&utm_source=openai))
A visit to the City Archive of Erlangen
The exhibition is accessible during regular reading room hours. The City Archive is located at Luitpoldstraße 47 in Erlangen; according to city information, the reading room is accessible via elevator. The published opening hours and service information of the City of Erlangen apply for archive use and visitor inquiries. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/themenseite/informationsservice/stadtarchiv?config=stadtarchiv_erlangen&r=1&vid=411366_2026-05-06T08%3A00&utm_source=openai))
Those interested in resistance, history of democracy, and individual responsibility will find a highly relevant and content-rich exhibition here. A visit is worthwhile for everyone who wants to not only understand history but also truly experience it in the context of a well-curated presentation.
Official channels of the City Archive Erlangen:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stadt.erlangen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stadtverwaltung.Erlangen
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Erlangenweb
- Website: https://erlangen.de/themenseite/informationsservice/stadtarchiv?config=stadtarchiv_erlangen&r=1&vid=411366_2026-05-06T08%3A00
