Austria has declared that it will utilize the house where Adolf Hitler was born to train police personnel in human rights. In 1889, the German dictator was born in a rented room on the house’s upper level. Following a protracted discussion, an expert group decided against demolition or converting the house into a memorial center. After a lengthy legal battle, the government purchased the 17th-century property in Braunau am Inn, near the German border, as a compulsory purchase in 2016.
According to The Guardian, the cost of converting the building into a training center with a police station is likely to be around €20 million, with work beginning in the autumn.
According to the Guardian story, a recent study found that the majority of Austrians were opposed to turning it into a police station, with 53% saying it should be changed into an establishment dedicated to dealing with the issues of National Socialism, anti-fascism, tolerance, and peace. Over 20% said it should be demolished, while only 6% thought it should be used by authorities.
The birthplace of Hitler in Austria will become a police training facility
Demolition was ruled out because it would be perceived as Austria renouncing its Nazi background, which would be viewed adversely worldwide. There were fears that if the house became a public gathering place, it might draw far-right supporters.
The house has been vacant since 2011 when the previous owner was compelled to depart due to a court order after authorities failed to reach an agreement with her. She received a compensation payment of more than €800,000.
According to The Guardian, the home will be converted into a police station and training facility in 2026. A memorial stone in front of the house with the words “For peace, freedom, and democracy – never again fascism – remembering the deaths of millions” will be kept.
Hitler had only resided in the house for a few months, but it became a pilgrimage place for his supporters during the Nazi era, bringing a lot of tourism to the town. It was boarded up after World War II.
Governments have been working hard to keep it from becoming a far-right tourist magnet, including renting the mansion from its previous owner. She did, however, prevent plans for it to be used as a charity-run daycare center for adults with special needs after preventing renovation work on it, the report mentioned.
