The Austrian government has decided to convert the historical building where Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was born into a police station, a move that has garnered significant backlash. The primary justification for this transformation, as stated by officials, is to discourage visits from neo-Nazi supporters to the site, which has become synonymous with Hitler's notorious legacy. The building, constructed in the 17th century, is located in Braunau am Inn near the German border and was meant to be repurposed as a means of addressing the site's controversial history.

Renovations began in 2023 and are expected to finish by the end of March 2024, according to the Austrian interior ministry. Current works include installation of modern window frames and a complete overhaul of the building's façade. The Austrian interior minister has expressed hopes that this initiative will help the country confront its past and move beyond the shadows of Nazism, particularly in light of the rising influence of far-right parties, including one established by former Nazis, which have gained popularity following legislative elections in 2024.

This decision is surrounded by implications for Austria's public image, especially as it has been criticized for not sufficiently addressing its Nazi heritage. The transformation aims to create a space that reflects responsibility and modernization, but the choice of a police station at such a historically charged site raises ethical questions about appropriation of memory and the best methods to reckon with a painful past. As the new police station prepares to open, debates continue about how societies can adequately confront and learn from their histories without glorifying the figures who represent hate and division.