NEW CEP/ARCHER AT HOUSE 88 EXHIBITION TO LAUNCH AT THE FORMER HOME OF RUDOLF HÖSS FOCUSES ON THE LIFE OF DR. GÜNTHER NIETHAMMER: AN EXPLORATION OF COMPLICITY, RESPONSIBILITY AND MORAL FAILURE
(Oświęcim, Poland)—CEP’s Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism and Radicalization (ARCHER) at House 88—the former home of Rudolf Höss—will host a special advance media preview on April 14 of its upcoming exhibition, “The Birdman of Auschwitz: Science and the Failure of Conscience,” ahead of its public opening on April 30:
Watch special preview video here.
Developed in partnership with British historian and author of The Birdman of Auschwitz Nicholas Milton, the exhibition examines the life and legacy of Günther Niethammer – an SS-Waffen guard and respected scientist who conducted a comprehensive bird survey at Auschwitz concentration camp while the mass murder of more than one million people took place at the death camp.
Drawing on newly uncovered documents, archival footage, personal correspondence, and scientific publications, the exhibition explores how individuals within respected professions became complicit in Nazi crimes. His time at Auschwitz and easy post-war reintegration is a story of ambition and moral disengagement from the reality of genocide.
On display for the first time in more than 80 years are original bird specimens collected by Niethammer at Auschwitz, on loan from the Natural History Museum Vienna. These include species directly tied to the camp environment.
The exhibition forms part of ARCHER at House 88’s broader effort to confront indifference and examine the ethical responsibilities of institutions and individuals. Placed in the context of the former residence of Commandant Rudolf Höss and his family, the project directly engages with one of the most critical sites of the administration of Nazi terror.
Media attendees will receive an advance walkthrough of the exhibition prior to public opening.
Please email [email protected] for further details.
To read Air Mail’s preview, click here.
To read British conservationist Dr. Mark Avery’s preview, click here.
To read Der Standard’s preview, click here.
To read CEP’s March 11 press release, click here.
ARCHER at House 88 | Legionów 88 |32-600 Oświęcim | Poland