The Museum
Today, the Schengen experience unfolds in two unique locations. Inside the newly redesigned Museum, visitors explore the past, present, and future of a borderless Europe through an immersive exhibition. Just steps away, you can board the original Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa and relive the historic moment where it all began – the signing of the Schengen Agreement in 1985. Whether you begin at the museum or on board the boat – it’s up to you.
The Exhibition
The exhibition inside the museum building is an engaging journey to experience diversity, possible intersections and integration, which also alternates moments of exploration and reflection. Explore the journey of borders in Europe through five key themes: from historical divisions to the vision of a borderless continent. This engaging, interactive exhibition brings to life the significance of Schengen in shaping Europe today.
1. Europe of Borders – How boundaries shaped a continent
Discover how borders defined European identity and sovereignty. Learn how territorial changes and political decisions created the boundaries we know today.
2. Schengen: Europe Without Borders – From vision to reality
What started as a bold idea in 1985 became a landmark achievement. Follow the creation and impact of the Schengen Area – and understand why it’s crucial to Europe’s future.
3. The Borders of Schengen – Opening doors, and defending them
Explore how Schengen removed internal borders, but also led to new challenges at external ones. This section highlights the balance between freedom of movement and security.
4. The Schengen Myth – Schengen in culture and imagination
Schengen is more than politics – it’s a cultural symbol. See how artists, thinkers, and musicians have been inspired by the idea of open borders.
5. Stories of Schengen (The Cube) – Personal perspectives, shared experiences
Experience real stories from migrants, travelers, and border guards. “The Cube” highlights how Schengen’s policies impact people’s lives every day.
All exhibition texts are available in English, French, and German. At the end of your visit, you can print your own personalized Schengen passport as a unique souvenir.For children aged 6–12, a special “Schengen booklet” is available to make learning about borders fun and engaging.
Receive your card to move freely and activate different digital stations.
“The museum has been designed from a dynamic perspective, as a summation of almost theatrical acts based around a central nucleus, the large cube of flags, which takes the visitor to another participatory dimension, engaging with time and space,” explains Mara Migliore from Migliore+Servetto.
