In the location's words:

The EL-DE-Haus, named after its builder Leopold Dahmen, was the headquarters of the Cologne Secret State Police (Gestapo) from 1935 to 1945. Today, the EL-DE-Haus houses a memorial, a permanent exhibition on the topic of "Cologne under National Socialism," as well as a documentation center and a library. The NS-Documentation Center of the City of Cologne (NS-DOK) is dedicated to the commemoration of the victims of National Socialism, research and educational work. Research on the history of the Jewish population as well as other persecuted minorities is a central task of the institution, which has resulted in international contacts with survivors and relatives.

In addition to dealing with historical topics, the information and education center against right-wing extremism also deals with current manifestations of group-related misanthropy. The department's work focuses on education, documentation of right-wing extremist activities, and counseling and support for victims of anti-Semitic attacks.