Historical archive

The historical archive at the Central Office of the Deutsche Bundesbank in Frankfurt am Main is the central archive for the entire central bank system. Its task is to safeguard, evaluate and network all documents from the former Bank deutscher Länder and the Deutsche Bundesbank (Central Office, Regional Offices and branches) to make them available for internal use.

In the central archives, official correspondence, unpublished works, collections and audio-visual material occupy some 4,000 running metres of shelf space. This material goes back to the founding of the West German central bank system in 1948; documents on the former Berlin Reichsbank/Reichshauptbank have been transferred to the Bundesarchiv (Federal Archive) in Berlin.

The contents of the main archive can be found using various search tools (descriptive lists, catalogues and issuing lists). Most of the lists and administration data have been computerised and can be accessed in various ways. Some of the minutes of the meetings of the Central Bank Council/Executive Board have been scanned, enabling you to research the sources yourself using the recording and retrieval system.

Here you will find the list of contents of the historical archive (PDF, available in German only).

External users may consult the central archive on the premises of the Deutsche Bundesbank provided they agree to the rules and embargoes laid down by the Federal Archives Act. Archive material may not be taken off the Bundesbank premises on loan. Copies of archive material are produced by the archiving staff for a fee.

Users must register. The central archive is located in the security area at Central Office. Visitors can only enter by producing identification at the main entrance to the Bundesbank site.

Contact and opening hours

• Deutsche Bundesbank
• Historical archive
• Postfach 10 60 02
• D - 60006 Frankfurt am Main

• +49 69 9566 3688
• +49 69 9566 4967
• Historisches-Archiv@bundesbank.de

• Opening hours
  
• Monday to Friday (9.00 to 16.00)

• Appointments by arrangement
  
• +49 69 9566 3692