Austria has opened a police station at Hitler's birthplace in Braunau am Inn to deter neo-Nazi pilgrimages and neutralize the building's toxic legacy. The conversion, costing €20 million, now houses a drug trafficking unit.
The Controversial History of the Building
Adolf Hitler was born on 20 April 1889 in a rented flat above a tavern at Salzburger Vorstadt 15. For decades, the ochre facade attracted extremists who laid roses and performed Hitler salutes on his birthday. Local residents called it the "house of evil."
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Why a Police Station?
An expert commission rejected a museum, which could draw more rightwing extremists, and demolition, which would erase history. A police station was seen as a neutral, official use that asserts rule of law. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner called it a "place of democracy, the rule of law, security."
Cost and Security Measures
Construction rubble was secretly disposed to prevent it becoming a shrine. The unit specializes in narcotics trafficking due to the town's proximity to the German border. District police commander Stefan Haslberger noted the location's role on a key drug route.
| Option Considered | Pro | Con |
|---|---|---|
| Police station | Neutralizes pilgrimages, serves public safety | High cost, ongoing security |
| Museum | Educates visitors | Attracts extremists, glorifies site |
| Demolition | Removes shrine | Obfuscates historical memory |
Key Takeaways
- Austria converted Hitler's birthplace into a police station to deter neo-Nazi visits.
- The project cost €20 million and involved secret disposal of construction materials.
- Expert recommendation was for official or administrative use to avoid extremist attraction.
FAQ
Why did Austria choose a police station over other options?
A police station was chosen to neutralize the site's toxic legacy while preserving historical memory. A museum risked attracting more extremists, and demolition would hide the history.
How much did the conversion cost?
The estimated cost reached €20 million, including secure disposal of construction debris to prevent it becoming a gathering place for Hitler devotees.
Is the police station open to the public?
It is an operational police station for a drug trafficking unit. While not a tourist attraction, the building stands as a symbol of democracy and rule of law.
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