Zeitenwende. Die Veste Oberhaus von 1918-1952

In the organizer's words:

This year's special exhibition presents the transformation of the Veste Oberhaus from a Bavarian military prison to a museum and also traces the history of the founding of today's Oberhaus Museum during the National Socialist era. Previously unknown, partly unpublished photos and archive sources show the eventful history of the Veste Oberhaus between the Weimar Republic, National Socialism and the immediate post-war period. The numerous historical caesuras and turning points between 1918 and 1952 also tell of Bavaria's major epochal breaks in the 20th century.

Farewell 1918-1920

The revolution in November 1918 not only sweeps away Emperor Wilhelm II and King Ludwig III of Bavaria, the central military prison of the Kingdom of Bavaria also comes to an end. The exhibition takes a look behind the prison walls and describes life in the military prison.

Continuity 1920-1931

Even after the end of the military prison, the Veste was used for military purposes and served as barracks. On an architectural tour, visitors can trace the history of the rooms' use and the everyday life of the soldiers. The first major turning point came with the purchase of the Veste Oberhaus by the city of Passau.

At the abyss 1932-1944

In 1932, the city of Passau establishes the Ostmarkmuseum at the Veste Oberhaus. The grand opening in May 1933 is already marked by the National Socialists, who in the following years pursue the plan to transform the Veste and the museum into a leading National Socialist cultural institution.

Scars 1944-1950

For the first time, the exhibition describes the events of the last year of the war, the dramatic final days of the war and the looting of the museum's holdings. After the end of the war, the Veste initially serves as a "Rest Center" and "GI's dream" for the US Army, then as an isolation hospital for tuberculosis and venereal diseases.

New start 1950-1952

The early years of the economic miracle also meant a new start for the Veste Oberhaus. The people of Passau make big plans for the future of their Veste and are not deterred by the need to renovate the historic building. Today's Oberhaus Museum opens in 1952.