Bundeskanzler-Helmut-Schmidt-Stiftung (BKHS)

About us

The Bundeskanzler-Helmut-Schmidt-Stiftung commemorates one of the most important 20th-century German statesmen. As a future-oriented think tank, it addresses issues that also interested Schmidt. Three overarching programmes are at the heart of the foundation’s work programme: 1) European and International Politics, 2) Global Markets and Social Justice and 3) Democracy and Society.

Closely meshed with these programmes, the permanent exhibition “Schmidt! Living democracy” in Hamburg’s city centre reflects almost half a century of German and international contemporary history. It places the achievements of its namesake in current and historical context. In the Helmut Schmidt-Archiv in Hamburg’s Langenhorn neighbourhood, the foundation makes the private documents of Schmidt and his wife Loki available to researchers and grants the public access to the Schmidts’ former private home.

The foundation was established in 2017 by the German Bundestag as one of seven non-partisan foundations commemorating politicians. It is supported by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.