A proposal to temporarily relocate Nuremburg’s opera house to two former Nazi-linked sites in the city, including the party’s infamous rally grounds, has come under fire over its potential risks to historical education.
The Staatstheater Nurnberg Management claimed in an open letter that they don’t have any viable options for the rally grounds and the unfinished Nazi Congress Hall. They expressed confidence about being able to provide the location’s historical context in a contemporary way.
German media report that the Opera House is currently in dire need of extensive repairs, which could take many years. A temporary location is needed to hold performances.
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Over the weekend, however, the ‘History for All’ association criticized the planned move due to the apparent risks to lessons on Nazi ideology and propaganda being compromised. In an open letter, the historical society stated that exposing visitors to original Nazi facades could be a way of highlighting. “fascist megalomania.”
It is likely that the Nuremberg City Council will decide next month about the location. An unnamed cultural expert working for the city told the dpa news agency that the move could not be deferred since the opera’s operating licence is set to expire in 2025. According to the outlet, the license would not be renewed until all renovations have been completed.
Staatstheater Nurnberg claims the 38-meter high remains of Congress Hall with its large courtyard could make a great temporary space. Original plans called for the building to stand 80m tall and hold 50,000 people. Construction was stopped when World War II broke out.
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