This historical exhibition meticulously examines the acquisition and controversial use of Adolf Hitler's birth house by the NSDAP in 1938. It delves into the building's transformation into a key propaganda site, detailing its conversion into an art gallery and library. The exposition also explores the extensive societal debates and decisions surrounding its handling, repurposing, and efforts to revert its architecture to its original Biedermeier style.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for 1938: Cult around Adolf Hitler's Birth House at House of Austrian History in Vienna
This historical exposition examines the acquisition and use of Adolf Hitler's birth house by the NSDAP in 1938. It details the building's transformation into a propaganda site and explores the ongoing societal debates and decisions regarding its handling and repurposing.
The historical site of Adolf Hitler's birth house, a 17th-century building originally a guesthouse, became a focal point of Nazi propaganda following its acquisition by the NSDAP in 1938. The text details how Martin Bormann secured the property for the party, leading to its conversion into an art gallery and library, with parts of the structure demolished for military parades and officially inaugurated as the 'Führer Geburtshaus' in 1943. Following World War II, the building underwent several phases of ownership and use, including periods under city administration, private ownership, and as a rental space for community facilities like a library, bank, and school. The Republic of Austria became the main tenant in 1972, eventually providing the space to 'Lebenshilfe Oberösterreich', an organization supporting people with disabilities, until 2011. The period after 2011 saw renewed discussions about the building's future after the 'Lebenshilfe' moved out. In 2016, the property was expropriated by the Republic of Austria to allow for independent decisions on its use. A commission was formed to advise on the building's substance, recommending preservation with architectural modifications. This led to a public, emotionally charged debate about its planned redesign and future use, with some calls for demolition. A legal challenge by the former owner temporarily halted proceedings in 2017. The building's historical significance, rather than its age, did not qualify it for heritage protection. In 2021, a decision was made to revert the building's architecture to resemble its original Biedermeier style and establish a police station to prevent neo-Nazi activities, a decision that remained controversial. In response, civil society initiatives emerged advocating for a more reflective approach to the building's legacy. Between 2022 and 2024, the House of Austrian History collaborated with the Federal Ministry of the Interior to document the building's complex history through the collection of facade and floor samples, as well as various objects representing its diverse usage contexts and historical periods.
This page provides historical information and does not contain ticketing details for an exhibition. Visitors interested in accessing the House of Austrian History or any specific exhibitions should refer to the museum's general admission and ticketing information, which is not detailed here.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for 1938: Cult around Adolf Hitler's Birth House at House of Austrian History in Vienna
An analysis of wartime censorship and the 1918 influenza pandemic.
Discover the historical context behind the naming of the 1918 pandemic. This research-based exhibition explains how media outlets masked the virus's true scale while focusing on wartime updates.
Pandemic History Exhibition
Explore how Austria's government shaped national tourism promotion.
Examine the transformation of tourism advertising into a state task in Austria starting in 1933. This historical overview details visual campaigns and their foundational impact on creating a major tourist destination.
Exhibition Details
Designed by Olaf Nicolai, honoring WWII victims of military courts.
This significant memorial on Vienna's Ballhausplatz commemorates those persecuted by Nazi military justice during World War II. Discover the artwork by Olaf Nicolai, featuring the poignant 'all – alone' inscription, a powerful reflection on historical accountability.
Memorial Details
Uncover the monument's controversial history and artistic reinterpretation.
This exhibition traces the 'Siegfriedskopf,' a Vienna monument originally dedicated to WWI fallen, through its co-option by German nationalist groups. Learn about its transformation from 1923 to its reinterpretation as a critical memorial site, inviting reflection on a complex past.
Siegfriedskopf Memorial
A comprehensive historical entry on the systematic genocide of Jewish people.
Delve into the Shoah, known as the Holocaust, and its profound impact during World War II. This permanent exhibition at the House of Austrian History details the organized persecution of Jewish communities and other groups by Germans and Austrians.
View Exhibition Details
Understand the dismantling of democracy and political shifts in 20th century Austria.
Discover this comprehensive exhibition on the Dollfuß-Schuschnigg dictatorship at the House of Austrian History. Explore the 1933-1938 era, detailing the rise of authoritarianism and its profound impact on Austrian history. Understand key political figures and events of this critical period.
Exhibition DetailsExplore Vienna's dynamic art and cultural displays today.
Find compelling art, history, and science exhibitions happening throughout Vienna. This specialized resource helps you locate unique cultural experiences and plan your visit to inspiring displays. Explore Vienna's rich cultural scene with ease.