Cultural policies 1933-45

• Nazis believed art should convey their messages and persuade people to obey the Fuhrer

Architecture 

• Hitler believed Berlin was too cosmopolitan and its architecture reflected the values of capitalist greed

• Commissioned a great architectural plan to remake Berlin to be fit for ‘Aryan race’ so reflects values of strength of ‘master race’ instead

Berlin Master Plan

• 1937

• Idea was a grand central square - symbolically bring together buildings that represented new Germany:

  • Reichstag - symbolised german people

  • Domed Fuhrer palace - symbolise Hitler’s rule

  • Military high command buildings - symbolise importance of armed forces

• 1939 - began but not finished (WW2)

Neoclassicism 

• Nazis abandoned democratic mass housing projects and invested in prestige buildings

• Hitler favoured official buildings and vast monuments that symbolise strength and heroism

• Nuremberg Congress Hall - reflects Nazi love of classical architecture

  • Inspired by Roman Colosseum 

• Reich Chancellery - completed in less than…