A controversial memorial sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna has been removed by a working group following years of criticism over its creator's Nazi connections. The "Heroes Memorial for Fallen Art Academicians," created by sculptor Josef Müllner and unveiled in the academy's main hall in 1925, will no longer be displayed in its prominent location.

The memorial was created by Josef Müllner (1879-1968), a sculptor whose role during the Nazi era has made both him and his works subjects of significant controversy. The working group at the academy decided to "design away" the monument, effectively removing it from public view in the institution's main hall. This decision represents a significant step in addressing the academy's historical connections to problematic figures from Austria's past.

The removal has created what officials describe as an "empty space" where the memorial once stood. This vacant area will be publicly unveiled on Thursday as part of a book presentation event at the academy. The timing of this reveal coincides with broader discussions about how cultural institutions should handle artifacts and memorials connected to controversial historical figures.

According to the academy's rector, the removal creates "a new basis for discussions that we would also like to conduct." This statement suggests that rather than simply erasing the memorial's existence, the institution views its removal as an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about art, history, and institutional responsibility. The rector's comments indicate that the academy sees this as a starting point for deeper conversations about how to address problematic elements of their institutional heritage.

The decision to remove the memorial reflects broader trends across Europe and other regions where institutions are grappling with how to handle monuments and artworks created by or honoring individuals associated with fascist regimes. The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's approach of creating a deliberate "empty space" rather than immediately replacing the memorial suggests a thoughtful approach to institutional memory and historical reckoning.