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Hitler's Waxy Return To Berlin At Theme Museum Raises Fuss
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Published: July 4, 2008
BERLIN - BERLIN - Madame Tussauds' has a new museum in Berlin - complete with a controversial wax Adolf Hitler hunkered down in his bunker.
The likeness of the Nazi leader, hunched over a desk in a dimly lit bunker just before he committed suicide at the end of World War II, was one of dozens unveiled Thursday at the British wax museum's latest branch on the busy Unter den Linden boulevard near the Brandenburg Gate.
The waxworks here are showcased in chronological and thematic order, highlighting Europe's postwar history.
"We polled people in Berlin about how they want to have the exhibition, and the majority wanted historical and cultural background to the figures," museum spokeswoman Nathalie Ruoss said.
The reviled dictator sits beneath a map of Europe on the wall, monitoring the advance of Allied troops from the east and west. Deep lines upon his wax forehead mark his desperate realization of his inevitable fall.
In front of a reproduction of the Berlin wall, a wax John F. Kennedy stands next to a video showing his famous "I am a Berliner" speech.
German political bigwigs such as former West German Chancellor Willy Brandt and East German leader Erich Hoenecker are also depicted.
There are living stars, too. Visitors can cuddle with singer Robbie Williams on a sofa during a party with other wax guests such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman.
Even in wax, the presence of Hitler in the capital's museum created a fuss in the German media, with critics expressing concern that including him violated the country's strict laws against reproducing Nazi symbols. But defenders argued that his role in German history could not be ignored.
So visitors can touch and photograph the wax figures, except for Hitler. Two security guards and video cameras make sure nobody breaks the rule.
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