Beneath our feet lies a hidden world, a maze of tunnels and vaults. This is the Wodanbunker, Nuremberg’s secret art bunker. It protected the city’s treasures during World War II.
Nuremberg, famed as the “Treasury of the German Empire,” held art sacred to the Third Reich. The Nazis valued its history for propaganda. They transformed Nuremberg into a symbol of their power during the 1930s.
As war loomed in 1939, Nazi officials devised a plan. They wanted to preserve cultural treasures. These treasures included art and religious items. They also included artifacts made in Nuremberg.
The Wodanbunker became the chosen sanctuary. The medieval tunnel system was renovated. It became a state-of-the-art preservation facility. Air conditioning, ventilation, and moisture control were installed. Shock-resistant steel doors guarded against bomb tremors. Guards watched over the precious contents. The facility even had a wireless communication hub. An escape route with a ladder provided access to the surface. Six chambers stored the artwork.
Artwork from Nuremberg and conquered territories found refuge here. Historic armor, weapons, and scientific instruments filled the bunker. Manuscripts, statues, paintings, and drawings were carefully stored. The stained glass windows from Nuremberg’s cathedrals were removed. They were packed in padded boxes. Substitute glass concealed the missing panes from view.
The Imperial treasures were the most famous items stored. These included the jeweled crown and scepter. They also included the orb of the Holy Roman Emperor. Himmler ordered that the Imperial treasures be kept in copper containers.
The bunker’s operations remained top secret. Allied bombings devastated Nuremberg in 1945. Thousands died and many more became homeless. Yet, all the artwork in the Wodanbunker remained unscathed.
As Allied troops approached, Nazi officials grew fearful. They relocated the Imperial treasures fearing looting. Fanatical Nazi Karl Holz planned to destroy the art bunker. However, his plan was foiled when city mayor Willy Liebel switched sides. Liebel attempted to contact the U.S. Army to negotiate surrender. Holz shot the mayor.
American troops entered Nuremberg castle. They discovered the steel doors of the Wodanbunker.
The U.S. Army launched an investigation. Lt. Walter William Horn, an art expert, led the effort. He interrogated Nazi officials. They confessed to hiding the Imperial treasures behind a wall. The treasures were in a civilian air raid shelter.
All the artworks were eventually returned to their original places. However, bomb damage delayed their display for many years. The Holy Roman Emperor’s treasures were returned to Vienna.
Today, you can explore Nuremberg’s Historischer Kunstbunker through guided tours. You can witness the remarkable story of preservation. You can learn about a city’s commitment to its artistic heritage. Even in summer, the rock-cut cellar remains cool. So be sure to dress accordingly.