Haus des Deutschen Ostens

The House of the German East (HDO) in Munich is a cultural, educational, and meeting institution of the Free State of Bavaria. It is dedicated to the topics of the former German territories as well as the German settlement areas in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. The HDO organizes numerous events annually in the fields of culture and education and maintains the largest public specialized library in Bavaria on the history and present of the German eastern territories. Furthermore, it serves as the central funding institution of the Free State of Bavaria for cultural projects according to § 96 of the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG) and is a subordinate authority of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs.

We promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the former German state and settlement areas in Eastern Europe. As a bridge-builder between Bavaria and the countries of East-Central Europe, we strengthen dialogue and understanding. Our mission is to support German minorities in their cultural identity, impart European competence, and offer cultural, educational, and encounter programs. Additionally, we serve as the central funding institution of the Free State of Bavaria for cultural projects pursuant to § 96 BVFG.

Our funding programs are aimed at natural and legal persons, associations, and institutions that wish to carry out projects in accordance with § 96 BVFG. Eligible to apply are individuals and organizations residing or headquartered in Bavaria or in the former or still existing German settlement areas in Eastern Europe. Target groups include, in particular, German minorities, cultural creators, scientific institutions, as well as associations and organizations of expellees and late repatriates.