Vienna’s Art Academy Removes Nazi-Linked Monument After Years of Debate
The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna has taken down a long-debated monument by sculptor Josef Müller. Known as the Heroes’ Monument, the work had been covered since 2021 before its final removal. Academy rector Johan Hartle described the decision as a step toward re-evaluating the institution’s past.
The Heroes’ Monument was created in 1925 by Müller, who taught at the academy from 1910 to 1948. His ties to the Nazi Party (NSDAP) and inclusion on the God-Gifted List in 1944 have drawn criticism. Müller also sculpted a bust of Adolf Hitler, unveiled at the academy in 1940, though its current location remains unknown.
A working group dismantled the monument after years of discussions debate. Müller’s other contested works, such as the Lueger Monument and the Siegfried Head, have also faced scrutiny. The academy’s decision follows broader efforts to address its historical connections to Austrofascism and National Socialism.
This week, the institution will host events examining its past. A book presentation on Thursday will explore the academy’s role between 1930 and 1960. On Friday, a symposium will include workshops, a debate on revoking honorary memberships, and discussions on historical memory.
The removal of the Heroes’ Monument marks a shift in how the academy engages with its legacy. Further events will delve into its history, including ties to political movements and controversial figures. The institution has signalled a commitment to transparency and critical reflection.
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