“World memory • Vision of Peace” Exhibition Opens in Berlin

BERLIN, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The China Cultural Center in Berlin today opened the exhibition “World memory • Vision of Peace – The Nanjing Massacre as Witnessed by John Rabe and Other German Nationals,” highlighting a chapter of shared history between China and Germany.

The exhibition comes at a significant moment, following China’s commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.It features more than 110 past photographs, 22 sets of artifacts, and immersive multimedia installations that recount both tragedy and humanitarian courage.

Bearing Witness Through German Eyes

The exhibition is organized into three sections.

The frist, “The Nanjing Massacre in WWII,” presents events as seen through German witnesses. It includes stills from American pastor John Magee’s film, photographs of atrocities by German engineer Christian Kröger, and reports by diplomats Oskar Trautmann and Georg Rosen. preserved in the Diaries of John Rabe, these accounts provide irrefutable testimony of the violence that claimed 300,000 lives.

the second section,“Humanitarian Aid,” highlights international rescue efforts. Siemens executive John Rabe personally sheltered 602 refugees in his home, while Karl Günther organized relief for those outside Nanjing. Together with the international Safety Zone, they helped protect more than 250,000 civilians. diary entries, survivor testimony, and a refugee choir recording bring this story of courage to life.

The final section, “A Shared Vision for Peace,” explores the postwar legacy and enduring bonds of friendship. It traces the journey of Rabe’s diaries to publication, the transformation of his Nanjing residence into a memorial, and the construction of his new tombstone in Berlin. It shows how remembrance continues across borders and generations.

Voices of Reflection

The opening ceremony featured remarks from Chinese officials and from John Rabe’s great-grandson, underscoring the link between past and present.