Formerly known as Villa Schlikker this building is now Die Villa_. It stands as a stark reminder of Osnabrück’s complex past. Die Villa_ now serves as a forum for remembrance culture and contemporary history. It opened as a new museum in September 2024. The building has undergone significant changes. It was once the regional party headquarters of the NSDAP. The renovation was supported by 1.7 million euros in federal funding.
Inside Die Villa_, a critical permanent exhibition explores the Nazi era. It examines the life and work of Hans Georg Calmeyer a jurist from Osnabrück. Calmeyer’s story is central to the museum’s mission. During the Nazi era, he was involved in both saving and condemning Jews. This ambivalence shapes Die Villa_’s focus.
Die Villa_ aims to analyze the causes and consequences of the Nazi period. It seeks to draw conclusions for our present and future. Examples like Hans Georg Calmeyer are used. They illustrate the events of the time. The goal is to promote a living culture of remembrance.
Visitors to Die Villa_ can engage in critical debates. They can exchange opinions and formulate results. These results should be supported by all social groups. The aim is to foster democratic processes. The museum offers various programs. These include workshops for school classes and students. Readings and discussions are also planned.
The museum’s name itself was a subject of discussion. Some proposed naming it after Hans Georg Calmeyer. However, this idea was rejected by scientists, artists, and relatives of victims. Calmeyer’s actions were too controversial. While he saved some Jews he also contributed to the deaths of others.
Die Villa_’s location is significant. The building served as the Osnabrück NSDAP headquarters. It was a regional center of the Nazi dictatorship. For a long time, it was known as the “brown house”. Today, Die Villa_ embraces a clear stance. It promotes open and critical debates. It encourages the exchange of opinions. It seeks ideas that can unite all societal groups.
The exhibition within Die Villa_ uses Calmeyer’s ambivalence to provoke thought. How did people behave during the Nazi dictatorship? What room for maneuver did they have? What can we learn from this for our actions today? These questions are at the heart of Die Villa_’s mission.
The Cafe Felka is located on the ground floor of Die Villa_. It is operated by the association EXIL e.V. Die Villa_ is part of Osnabrück’s Museum Quarter. It contributes to the city’s identity as a “city of peace”.
Die Villa_ encourages visitors to understand historical contexts. It asks them to question history in relation to the present. It aims to gain insights for democratic action today. Guided tours are available. They adapt to the age structure of the group.
Visitors can participate in workshops that address contemporary issues. These include antisemitism, antiziganism, and responsibility. The workshops aim to promote critical reflection. They encourage a clear stance for democracy.
Die Villa_ offers a variety of events. These include readings, discussions, film series, and lectures. These events provide artistic approaches. They encourage engagement with themes and attitudes that threaten or enable democracy. Die Villa_ invites everyone to participate. It promotes diversity instead of simplicity.
Die Villa_’s transformation from a Nazi headquarters to a forum for democracy is powerful. It stands as a symbol of Osnabrück’s commitment to learning from the past. It strives to build a more just and peaceful future.