Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof: Confronting Nazi Medical Crimes

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A memorial and museum in Vienna dedicated to the victims of Nazi medical crimes at the Steinhof complex during World War II.

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Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof

The Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof, located on the grounds of the Otto Wagner Hospital in Vienna, is a museum and memorial dedicated to the victims of Nazi medical crimes. During World War II, the Steinhof complex was a center for the persecution and murder of over 7,500 people deemed 'inferior' by the Nazi regime, including children and adults with disabilities or mental illness. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of these atrocities, offering a space for remembrance and reflection.

A brief summary to Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof

Baumgartner Höhe 1, Vienna, Penzing, 1140, AT
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Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

The museum is located within a working hospital, so be mindful and respectful of patients and staff.
Allow ample time for your visit, as the subject matter can be emotionally challenging.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk from the main entrance to Pavilion V can be steep and partially unpaved.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From central Vienna, take the U3 subway line to Ottakring. From there, transfer to Bus 48A towards Otto-Wagner-Spital/Psychiatrisches Zentrum. The bus ride takes approximately 8 minutes. Alight at the Otto-Wagner-Spital/Psychiatrisches Zentrum stop. From there, follow the signs to Pavilion V, where the memorial is located. A single public transport ticket costs €2.40.
Walking

From the Otto-Wagner-Spital/Psychiatrisches Zentrum bus stop, enter the hospital grounds and follow the signs towards the Otto Wagner Church. Pavilion V, where the Gedenkstätte is located, is situated diagonally to the left and below the church. The walk from the bus stop to Pavilion V takes approximately 5-10 minutes and involves a moderately steep incline on partially unpaved paths. Note that the walk from the entrance is steep and only partially paved.
Car

From central Vienna, navigate to the A1 motorway and head west. Take exit 17-Penzing and follow signs for Baumgartner Höhe. After approximately 1.5 km, you will reach Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof located at Baumgartner Höhe 1, 1140 Wien. Note that parking is available on the site of Klinik Penzing, below the Otto Wagner Church, but it is limited and can be subject to fees. The first 30 minutes are free, €2.50 for 1 hour, and the daily maximum is €30. There are 10 parking spaces.

Discover more about Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof

Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof serves as a chilling reminder of the Nazi regime's systematic persecution and murder of individuals deemed 'unworthy of life'. From 1938 onwards, the Heil- und Pflegeanstalt 'Am Steinhof,' now the Otto Wagner Hospital, became a central hub for Nazi 'euthanasia' programs. The exhibition, situated in Pavilion V of the Otto Wagner Hospital, meticulously documents the atrocities committed within the Steinhof complex. From 1940 to 1945, a 'Children's Specialist Department' known as 'Am Spiegelgrund' operated on the grounds, where approximately 800 sick or disabled children and adolescents were murdered. Additionally, over 3,200 patients were deported to Hartheim Castle near Linz as part of 'Action T4' and killed. After the official cessation of 'Action T4' in August 1941, the 'euthanasia' program continued internally through targeted malnutrition and systematic neglect, resulting in the deaths of over 3,500 patients. The museum also addresses the disturbing post-war exploitation of victims' remains for research purposes, with some remains not being properly buried until 2002 and 2012. Through survivor testimonies, historical documents, and poignant exhibits, the Gedenkstätte Am Steinhof encourages critical reflection on the past and promotes awareness of the importance of compassion and inclusivity in contemporary society.