A pyramid of polished steel stands before us. It is a stark reminder of a dark period. This is the 369 weeks War memorial. It commemorates the victims of Nazi Justice.
The 369 weeks War memorial is in Vienna-Josefstadt. It stands before the Landesgericht. This is Vienna’s regional criminal court. The court building has a long history. It dates back to 1839.
From 1938 to 1945, the court operated under Nazi jurisdiction. More than 1200 people were guillotined. They included Austrians who resisted the regime. The execution room is now a memorial site.
The 369 weeks War memorial was created by Eva Schlegel. She is an internationally renowned artist. The memorial was erected in April 2015.
The monument’s name “369 weeks” refers to the length of Nazi rule in Austria. The Nazis were in power for 369 weeks. The memorial serves as a reminder. It highlights the role of the Provincial Court during that time.
The steel pyramid has cut-out letters and numbers. These form “369 Wochen/Weeks”. They are lit from the inside. This increases their impact. A beam of light projects the words. It shines “369 Wochen/Weeks” onto the court’s facade.
Chancellor Werner Faymann inaugurated the monument. He called it a witness to injustice. He urged Austrians to protect democracy. He said hatred and exclusion have no place in society.
The memorial stands as a warning. It reminds us of the horrors of the Nazi regime. It urges us to never forget the victims of political injustice. It is a place for reflection. It calls for vigilance against tyranny.
The 369 weeks War memorial ensures that the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten. It is a place to honor those who fought for freedom. It is a symbol of hope for a better future.