Spandau Historical Museum / Citadel

With its four striking bastions, the Citadel (Zitadelle) is one of the most important and well-preserved Renaissance citadels in Europe. Kurfüst Joachim II had it built in the 16th century by Italian master builders. Among the sections of the older medieval castle that have been preserved are the "Juliusturm" ("Julius Tower") from the 13th century – which serves today as an observation tower – and the Palace built in the 15th century. The history of the castle and citadel is explored in the Kommandantenhaus using models, maps, paintings, photographs, archaeological artefacts and weapons. Excavated and exposed archaeological findings from the castle's early period can be seen in the Westkurtine ("west curtain"). In the Bastion Königin, visitors can visit a unique ensemble of medieval Jewish graves that have been preserved after having been uncovered during excavations at the Citadel.
The Spandau Historical Museum (Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Spandau) is housed in the Citadel's "Zeughaus" or arsenal. In this brick building built in 1856, a new permanent exhibition uses objects from the collection to tell the story of historical Spandau families, businesses, companies and shops. Regular special exhibitions are shown here as well.  
Once or twice a year, exhibitions showcasing internationally well-known artists are organised at the Bastion Kronprinz. A number of major concerts also take place at the palace, and the courtyard of the Citadel is a popular location for celebrations and music festivals.