Kazerne Dossin

In July 1942, the German occupier opened an SS-Sammellager in the Dossin barracks in Mechelen. From there, 25,484 Jews and 352 Roma and Sinti left by train in 28 consecutive transports to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Less than 5% of the deportees survived the war. A new museum was built to indicate the historical significance of the place to current and future generations and to illustrate themes such as racism, exclusion and human rights. The unique design for the new museum was created by top architect and former Flemish master builder Bob van Reeth. The original barracks building opposite the new museum building has been set up as a Memorial, consisting of 4 rooms, and is freely accessible. Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Sundays.