In 1932, sculptor Hedwig Maria Ley, a Nazi sympathizer, created the first authorized depiction of soon-to-be German dictator Adolf Hitler. The Nazi party made her bust the model for portraying the leader throughout his notorious rule. However, after Hitler’s death and Germany’s defeat in World War II, Ley buried the bust in her garden.

Decades later, the sculpture emerged when a relative of her gardener discovered it, placing it proudly on the fireplace in his living room. This marked a generational divide, contrasting younger individuals seeking to disassociate from past generations who embraced German fascism.

Exploring this divide is the new exhibition, “After Hitler: Germany’s Reckoning with the Nazi Past,” at the Haus der Geschichte in Bonn. The exhibition delves into shifting attitudes towards Nazism over 80 years, illustrating enduring adoration for a tyrannical leader and the resurgence of neo-fascist ideologies.

Reckoning with the Past

The exhibition in Bonn delves deep into the four generations of Germans grappling with the aftermath of the Nazi era. From post-war denial to introspection and protest, each generation has navigated the complex legacy of Hitler’s rule.

Remembering the Victims

Significant space in the exhibition is devoted to the voices and stories of those who faced persecution during the Nazi regime. Through personal artifacts, the exhibit sheds light on the harrowing experiences and echoes of survival and resilience.

A Warning for the Present

The exhibition emphasizes how confronting the Nazi past is crucial in the face of the reemergence of far-right ideologies. As Germany continues to grapple with its history, the legacy of Hitler serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fascism.

“After Hitler: Germany’s Reckoning with the Nazi Past” runs until January 26, 2025, at Haus der Geschichte in Bonn.