Germany: Plans to use Nazi location for opera criticized
November 28, 2021
Proposals to temporarily move Nuremberg's opera house to either the former Nazi Party rally grounds or the courtyard of the never-completed Nazi Congress Hall have incensed historical societies, German media reported on Sunday.
A new location for the historic opera is required as its present home is in major need of repair. The renovations are expected to last several years.
The non-profit organization History for All, which offers tours of the rally grounds, argues the decision compromises education about Nazi Party ideology and propaganda.
Nazi megalomania
Showing visitors the original facades of Nazi structures in the German city was a way to illustrate fascist megalomania, as well as its ultimate downfall, the association wrote in an open letter on Sunday.
The Congress Hall was intended to be 80 meters high and to host 50,000 people. However, construction came to a standstill at the outset of World War II. What is left is a 38-metre-high shell around a huge courtyard. The opera house argues it would make an ideal venue.
The city council is due to make a decision about the setting on December 15.
An open letter from the opera theater management says that there are no other viable options.
DPA contributed to this article.