Viennese Medical Faculty 1938 – 1945: National Socialism's Impact on Medical History

This medical history exhibition examines the devastating impact of National Socialism on the Viennese Medical Faculty. It delves into the pre-history of antisemitism and racism, the consequences of the Nazi seizure of power, the expulsion of faculty members, and the ideological takeover of the faculty by Nazi doctrine, including research practices and experiments.

The era of National Socialism represents a historical low point for Austrian medicine, and this exhibition at the Josephinum commemorates the 80th anniversary of Austria’s loss of sovereignty and the subsequent consequences. The exhibition meticulously details the pre-history of antisemitism and racism leading up to the Nazi era, the direct effects of the events of March 1938, and the forced expulsion of a significant portion of the faculty staff. It also highlights how Nazi Party members benefited from these events. Furthermore, the exhibition addresses the ideological appropriation of the faculty by Nazi doctrine, specifically "racial hygiene," and the research practices that included criminal experiments on humans, forced sterilization, and participation in the "euthanasia" program targeting psychiatric patients. The increasing militarization of teaching and research throughout the war is also a key focus. Reflecting on the year 1945 as an ambivalent turning point, the exhibition also explores early efforts to confront the Nazi past and the Josephinum's role as a center for Austrian medical history. This exhibition is dedicated to all members of the Medical Faculty who endured injustice, violence, and cruelty under the National Socialists.

The page does not contain specific ticketing information for this exhibition, but it is presented as a historical exhibition within the Josephinum museum context.