Frankfurt (Oder) – Gronenfelde returnee camp

The homecoming camp in Gronenfelde was opened in 1947 as a release camp for Soviet prisoners of war, displaced persons and former forced labourers. By 1950, more than 1.2 million people had been released through the Gronenfelde camp. The returnee camp was the largest release camp on East German soil. In close cooperation with the Viadrina Museum and with the generous support of the Frankfurt (Oder) Lions Club, a 3D model was created that depicts the entire barracks camp, including the surrounding railway facilities, bridges and paths. By looking at the camp through VR glasses, the viewer can transport themselves back to the immediate post-war period. The VR tour takes him through the camp and explains the release processes from delousing and medical care to the allocation of the release barracks according to the targeted release province. The 3D model is constantly updated according to the latest scientific findings and also expanded spatially.  

Returnee camp Gronenfelde in Frankfurt (Oder) - general view with the three bridges and the railway tracks  

Returnee camp Gronenfelde in Frankfurt (Oder) - The entrance sign at the main entrance

Returnee camp Gronenfelde in Frankfurt (Oder) - The delousing in the center of the camp

Returnee camp Gronenfelde in Frankfurt (Oder) - view of the delousing and the kitchen barracks

Returnee camp Gronenfelde in Frankfurt (Oder) - propaganda board on the main square

Returnee camp Gronenfelde in Frankfurt (Oder) – main gate and gatehouse seen from inside the camp