Nazi Architecture

Hitler was a struggling artist before he entered politics, and he incorporated this love of art and architecture into his cultural agenda. His aesthetic taste shows a consistent connection to right wing ideology. Hitler distrusted modern art, and preferred the more traditional styles of neo-classicism, pastoralism and romanticism.

In this section, be aware of art and architecture as a political tool. It helped connect the Nazi movement with German culture in general, and gave it an air of legitimacy. It also attracted Germans who sought reassurance and stability after years of uncertainty. The manipulation of nostalgia for a "golden past" was a very effective tool. For the most part, the Nazi aesthetic was very popular amongst average Germans; it made art accessible to the masses and helped create a much more unified national culture.