The House of Hitler’s Birth: Austria’s Uncomfortable Dilemma
Introduction
For years, Austria has grappled with the question of what to do with the house where Adolf Hitler was born. The three-story building on Salzburger Verstadt street has stood vacant since 2011, its pastel-colored paint faded, its windows empty, and its street number taken down.
The History of the House
The house has been many things over the years, including a school, a bank, and a center for the disabled. Some suggested turning the building into a museum or an international meeting place dedicated to world peace. Others have called for it to be torn down entirely.
The Austrian Government’s Decision
After a protracted process to expropriate the house from its owner, Austria’s government recently put an end to the speculation: it will be renovated and turned into a police station with construction slated to break ground soon and finish by 2025. Officials also suggested a memorial stone in front, which was installed in 1989 as a warning against fascism.
The Goal of Renovation
The ultimate goal of these changes was to neutralize the history and symbolism of the house, officials said, as well as preventing it from serving as a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis and other right-wing groups in the future.
Reflections on Austria’s Relationship with its Past
However, the Austrian government’s push to "neutralize" the house of Hitler’s birth raises difficult questions about how thoroughly the country has reckoned with its own past. For decades after World War II, Austria’s official position was that it was the first victim of the Nazi regime-a view that ignored the fact that many Austrians welcomed the German Reich and served in its army.
Conclusion
No matter how much time goes by, Braunau will always remain part of its identity as Hitler’s birthplace, locals admit. All the renovations and repurposing in the world can’t do away with that aspect of its history. "People know where it is and will find it" said the Director of Tourism for Braunau. "Whether the building has a blue facade or a yellow one. Whether the roof has one gable or two, it will remain Hitler’s birthplace and people will still want to see it."
FAQs
- Why is the house of Hitler’s birth so significant?
- The house is significant because it is a physical reminder of Hitler’s connection to Braunau, and it serves as a symbol of the town’s association with the Nazi leader.
- What has happened to the house since Hitler’s birth?
- The house has been renovated and repurposed several times over the years, serving as a school, a bank, and a center for the disabled, among other things.
- Why is the Austrian government renovating the house into a police station?
- The government is renovating the house into a police station in an effort to "neutralize" the history and symbolism of the house, and to prevent it from serving as a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis and other right-wing groups in the future.
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