Special exhibition at the Island Museum on Juist

Children's Spa on Juist

In addition to the extensive permanent exhibition, the Juist Island Museum presents a new special exhibition each year. This year, the history of children's spas on Juist is being told—a chapter of German history that, as it turns out, is very difficult. Millions of children were sent to spas across the country, and Juist also had a number of children's spa facilities.

Especially through the multifaceted accounts of those affected, the exhibition becomes an emotional rollercoaster: while some children remember only the happiest memories of summer days on the beach and carefree play, others describe their stay as a time of horror, neglect, and humiliation. Not only are the experiences of those involved very different, but the respective spa facilities also varied in their conceptual approaches and in their treatment of the children.

The processing of this topic has been taking place in public for several years, primarily through private initiatives.

What can be seen? Many nostalgic photographs and testimonials from the spa children of that time, a collection of brochures from the facilities, documents from the dispatch system, newspaper reports, and materials on the historical development. The exhibition is aimed at both former spa children and people who are encountering the topic of children's spas for the first time.

A note: The accounts in the special exhibition may be perceived as distressing, especially for those affected. The special exhibition is accessible during the regular opening hours of the island museum, and regular admission prices apply.