Archives of the Austrian Resistance (DÖW): Vienna’s Vital Memory

Vienna, a city renowned for its imperial grandeur and cultural heritage, also holds a profound commitment to confronting its complex past. At the heart of this endeavor lies the Archives of the Austrian Resistance (DÖW – Dokumentationsarchiv des österreichischen Widerstandes), a crucial institution dedicated to documenting, researching, and educating on the history of National Socialism, resistance, and persecution in Austria. For anyone seeking to understand the darkest chapters of 20th-century European history, the DÖW offers an unparalleled and essential journey into truth and remembrance.

A Legacy Forged from History

Founded in 1963 by a remarkable coalition of former resistance fighters, individuals who suffered persecution under the Nazi regime, and dedicated historians, the DÖW stands as a living testament to courage and resilience. From its inception, its mission has been clear: to meticulously preserve the memory of those who resisted tyranny and to shed light on the atrocities committed during the Nazi era. Today, it serves as an indispensable point of reference for researchers and scholars from across the globe, providing a vast and comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of this period.

The Permanent Exhibition: Unveiling the Past

Housed within the historic Old City Hall, the DÖW’s permanent exhibition offers a compelling and deeply informative narrative. It meticulously documents the historical backdrop of National Socialism, detailing the insidious rise of the NSDAP and the traumatic “Anschluss” – Austria’s annexation into Nazi Germany. The exhibition unflinchingly confronts the brutal realities of Nazi terror, the widespread persecution and systematic deportation of Jewish citizens, and the various forms of resistance that emerged against the regime.

Beyond the war years, the exhibition extends its critical gaze to the post-1945 period, examining the process of de-Nazification and the often-challenging revision of the Nazi past. It also tackles specialized topics such as Nazi medicine and its horrifying ethical breaches, and chillingly, draws a line to contemporary issues of right-wing extremism, underscoring the enduring relevance of historical vigilance.

• Best for: Serious history enthusiasts, researchers, students, and anyone seeking a deep understanding of Austria’s World War II history and its aftermath.
• Don’t Miss: The detailed sections on the “Anschluss” and the diverse forms of Austrian resistance, offering unique insights not always covered in broader historical narratives.
• Insider Tip: Allocate at least 2-3 hours for the permanent exhibition. The amount of information is substantial, and a hurried visit will not do it justice.

Satellite Memorial Sites: Specific Stories of Atrocity

In addition to its central archives and exhibition, the DÖW is connected to two other poignant memorial sites in Vienna, each focusing on specific aspects of the Nazi past:

The War Against the ‘Inferior’: Nazi Medicine in Vienna

Located in Pavilion V of the Otto Wagner Spital on Baumgartner Höhe (often referred to as Steinhof), this exhibition delves into the chilling history of Nazi medicine in Vienna. It exposes the horrific ideology that deemed certain lives “unworthy of life” and the medical atrocities committed in its name. This site offers a stark reminder of how scientific and medical professions can be perverted under totalitarian regimes.

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

Gestapo Memorial Room

A more intimate and somber site, a memorial room at Salztorgasse 6 commemorates the victims of the Gestapo in Vienna. This was a place where unimaginable suffering took place, and the room serves as a powerful space for reflection and remembrance of those who were interrogated, tortured, and murdered.

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

Planning Your Visit to the Archives of the Austrian Resistance

For those planning to visit the central DÖW location, here’s the essential information:

• Address: Wipplingerstraße 6-8, 1010 Vienna
• Website: 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 (for researchers): 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (excluding visitors from foreign countries, who should arrange in advance)
• Closed on: December 24 and 31

Accessibility:

• Main entrance: Steps via courtyard
• Side entrance: Via courtyard
• Access to exhibition rooms: No steps, making the permanent exhibition largely accessible.
• Archives: Please note that the archives themselves are not wheelchair-accessible.

• Getting There: The DÖW is centrally located in Vienna’s 1st district, easily reachable by public transport (U-Bahn: U1/U3 Stephansplatz or U3 Herrengasse; Tram: 1/71/D Schottentor).
• For Researchers: If you intend to use the archives, it is highly recommended to contact them in advance, especially if you are visiting from abroad, to facilitate your research and understand retrieval protocols.
• Combine Your Visit: Due to its central location, you can easily combine a visit to the DÖW with other historical sites in Vienna’s city center.

Conclusion

The Archives of the Austrian Resistance is far more than just a repository of historical documents; it is a vital educational institution and a powerful beacon against forgetting. Through its comprehensive archives, impactful exhibitions, and dedication to research, the DÖW ensures that the lessons of the past are not lost. It stands as a profound reminder of the fragility of democracy and the enduring importance of vigilance, making it an indispensable stop for anyone seeking to understand Vienna’s crucial role in 20th-century history and beyond.

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.