Archives of the Austrian Resistance (DÖW): Preserving Memory and Understanding History in Vienna

Vienna, a city of grand imperial history, also holds within its fabric the profound and often challenging memories of the 20th century. At the heart of this historical reflection stands the Archives of the Austrian Resistance (Dokumentationsarchiv des österreichischen Widerstandes, DÖW). Far more than just an archive, the DÖW is a vital institution dedicated to documenting, researching, and educating the public about National Socialism, resistance, and the persecution that took place during the Nazi era in Austria, as well as the ongoing struggle against right-wing extremism today.

The Archives of Austrian Resistance (DÖW): A Beacon of Historical Truth

Founded in 1963 by a remarkable coalition of former resistance fighters, persecuted individuals, and dedicated scholars, the DÖW has grown into a world-renowned center for historical inquiry. It serves as an indispensable point of reference for researchers, historians, and students from across the globe. Its extensive holdings include:

• An immense archive of documents and personal testimonies.
• Numerous special collections focusing on specific aspects of resistance and persecution.
• A vast library with literature pertaining to National Socialism, World War II, and post-war history.
• A comprehensive photo archive providing visual insights into this dark period.

This rich collection ensures that the complex narratives of courage, suffering, and the fight against tyranny are never forgotten.

The Permanent Exhibition: Unpacking Austria’s Dark Past in the Old City Hall

Located within Vienna’s historic Old City Hall, the DÖW’s permanent exhibition offers an unflinching and comprehensive look at Austria’s tumultuous past. It meticulously documents the historical backdrop of National Socialism, the intricate forms of resistance, and the brutal persecution that occurred under Nazi rule. The exhibition also critically examines the process of confronting and revising Austria’s Nazi past after 1945.

Visitors will gain a deep understanding of pivotal events and themes, including:

• The rise of the NSDAP (Nazi Party) in Austria.
• The traumatic “Anschluss” (annexation) of Austria to Nazi Germany in 1938.
• The systematic Nazi terror, persecution, and deportation of Jews and other minority groups.
• The various facets of resistance against the Nazi regime.
• The disturbing history of Nazi medicine and its atrocities.
• The complex process of de-Nazification following the Second World War.
• The ongoing challenge of right-wing extremism in contemporary society.

Quick Facts: The DÖW Permanent Exhibition

• Best For: Serious history buffs, researchers, and anyone seeking a deep, nuanced understanding of Austria’s wartime history and its aftermath.
• Don’t Miss: The personal testimonies and archival documents that bring the history to life. The sections on post-war de-Nazification and contemporary extremism offer crucial context for understanding modern Austria.
• Insider Tip: Allow ample time. The exhibition is dense with information, offering many layers of insight that reward careful exploration.

Beyond the Main Archive: Related Memorial Sites

The DÖW’s commitment to remembrance extends to two other poignant memorial sites in Vienna, each offering a distinct but equally crucial perspective on Austria’s darkest chapter.

The Steinhof Memorial: Confronting Nazi Medicine in Vienna

Within the grounds of the Otto Wagner Hospital (formerly Steinhof), Pavilion V houses the chilling exhibition “The War Against the ‘Inferior’: On the History of Nazi Medicine in Vienna.” This powerful memorial confronts the horrific reality of medical crimes committed by the Nazis, particularly the systematic murder of thousands of patients deemed “unworthy of life” – a dark chapter of eugenics and forced sterilization.

Visitor Information: The Steinhof Memorial (Pavilion V)

• Location: Otto Wagner Spital, Pavilion V, Baumgartner Höhe.
• Opening Times: Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday and Public Holidays: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
• Closed: December 24th and December 31st.
• Website: www.gedenkstaettesteinhof.at

The Gestapo Memorial Room: Remembering the Victims in Salztorgasse

A more intimate but equally impactful site is the memorial room at Salztorgasse 6. This location served as the notorious headquarters of the Gestapo in Vienna, a place where countless individuals were interrogated, tortured, and from which many were sent to their deaths. The memorial room serves as a somber reminder of the Gestapo’s reign of terror and honors its victims.

Visitor Information: Gestapo Memorial Room

• Location: Salztorgasse 6, 1010 Vienna.
• Access: By request only.
• Contact: Tel. +43-1-228 94 69-319.

Planning Your Visit: Essential Information for the DÖW

To facilitate your visit to the main Archives of the Austrian Resistance, here is practical information:

Contact & Location:

• Address: Wipplingerstraße 6-8, 1010 Vienna
• Website: https://www.doew.at
• Phone: +43 1 228 946 9319
• Email: office@doew.at

Opening Times:

• Archive & Library: Monday – Thursday: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Exhibitions:
  • Monday – Wednesday: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 09:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• File or Book Retrievals: 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (excluding visitors from foreign countries, for whom retrieval can be arranged upon prior communication).
• Closed: December 24th and December 31st.

Accessibility:

• Main Entrance: Steps via courtyard.
• Side Entrance: Via courtyard.
• Exhibition Rooms: No steps, wheelchair-accessible.
• Archives: Not wheelchair-accessible.

A Vital Pillar of Remembrance

The Archives of the Austrian Resistance and its associated memorial sites stand as vital pillars of remembrance and education in Vienna. They offer not only a detailed historical record of a difficult past but also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance against intolerance and extremism in the present. A visit to these sites is not merely a step into history; it is an engagement with lessons that remain profoundly relevant today.

This guide was inspired by the comprehensive overview provided by the official www.wien.info portal. For the most current information, please visit their website.