Art Academy Vienna Removes "Hero Monument" by Josef Müllner

The hero monument was created in 1925 by Josef Müllner, an artist whose role in National Socialism is controversial. Müllner was a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna from 1910 to 1948, where he held various positions, including prorector and rector. Over the years, he became known both for his artistic works and for his membership in various political organizations, including the NSDAP. Müllner was not only a sought-after artist but also an "honorary member" of the German Art Academics Association Athenaia and was included in the so-called "Gottbegnadeten" list in 1944.

Contextualization and Removal of the Monument

The controversial hero monument was removed by a working group after being covered since 2021 and having already undergone a short-term contextualization in 2009. Müllner also created other controversial works, such as the Lueger Monument (1926) and the "Siegfried Head" (1923), which was relocated in 2006. A bust of Adolf Hitler created by him was ceremoniously unveiled at the Academy in 1940, its whereabouts are unknown today.

Statements from the Academy Rector

Academy Rector Johan Hartle stated in June 2021 that the removal of the monument serves as a "new basis for confrontations." The academic community has intensely engaged with problematic monuments, and these discussions are to be continued. The removal of the monument allows for reflection on the future handling of Müllner's work and its location.

Cultural Reflection through Book Presentation and Conference

The void left by the removal of the monument will be addressed on Thursday as part of a book presentation. The book, published by Mandelbaum Verlag and edited by Eduard Freudmann, Jakob Krameritsch, Michael Lunardi, and Ruth Sonderegger, deals with the history of the Academy between 1930 and 1960, focusing on Austrofascism and National Socialism.

On Friday, a conference will take place in the Academy's meeting room. Planned are workshop discussions with the authors of the publication, a discussion on the revocation of honorary memberships, and engagement with historical politics at the Academy. These events provide a platform for dialogue about the complex entanglements of Austrofascism and National Socialism.

(Red)

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