Der Altan der Neuen Burg: A Vienna Exhibition on Austrian History and Memory Politics

This exhibition explores the history of the Altan (terrace) of the Neue Burg, examining its use for various events from its completion around 1919 through 1938, and its symbolic importance in Austrian national socialist history. It delves into how the site evolved from a venue for public addresses to a focal point for discussions on Austrian memory politics.

The exhibition 'Der Altan der Neuen Burg' delves into the multifaceted history of the terrace of the Neue Burg in Vienna, a site deeply intertwined with Austria's 20th-century past. Initially constructed around 1919, the Altan served as a prominent location for various public events and political addresses. Its significance escalated dramatically in March 1938 when Adolf Hitler delivered a pivotal speech announcing Austria's annexation into Nazi Germany from this very spot, transforming it into a symbol of the country's national socialist history. The exhibition examines how this space was utilized by different regimes, including 'Red Vienna' and the Dollfuss-Schuschnigg dictatorship, before its meaning became inextricably linked to the Nazi era. Following 1945, the images of massive crowds gathered beneath the Altan were often interpreted as evidence of widespread enthusiasm for National Socialism among Austrians. The exhibition also addresses the critical engagement with this history that began around the 1988 commemoration year, positioning the Heldenplatz and the 'Hitler balcony' (as the Altan is sometimes misnomered) at the center of Austria's memorial and remembrance politics. Current discussions on the future public accessibility and potential redesign of the Altan are also highlighted, pointing to the ongoing relevance of this site for national identity and historical reflection.