Hitler's birthplace converted into police station in £15M renovation

Published Jul 27, 01:18 PM UTC

Austrian authorities have completed a £15 million renovation of Adolf Hitler's birthplace in Braunau, transforming the former guesthouse into a police station. The decision, finalized after years of debate, aims to prevent the site from becoming a pilgrimage destination for Nazi sympathizers. The building was acquired by the government in 2016 and remained empty while a commission deliberated its fate. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated the police station symbolizes democracy, rule of law, and human dignity, contrasting with the Nazi era. A memorial stone from Mauthausen concentration camp remains outside, inscribed with a message against fascism. The conversion faced public skepticism, with only 6% support in a 2023 poll, partly due to historical associations with the Gestapo. Local historians defended the move, emphasizing accountability in a democratic state.