The exhibits in the Museum of Literature are so extensive that I walked around disorientated for the first hour. A first look here, one there. Another interesting photo, next. The content is endless, whether works or artists. Vicki Baum (author of the bestseller and later Hollywood production “Grand Hotel” with Greta Garbo) is represented, as well as Ödön von Horvath. Just to name some of my favorites. Much emphasis has been placed on the personal touch: handwritten notes, expressive portraits and excerpts delight the heart of literature lovers.

At the same time, the shady sides are shown, I think you know now, where this is heading to. Black and white photographs of Jewish Viennese cleaning the streets in front of a mob, a few of them. My heart ached when I saw the malicious glances on the one hand and the desperate citizens, brilliant writers among them, on the other. I think it’s good and right to give such photographs their space, just like here. Especially since I get a feeling lately, that many people tend to forget how awful and hard times of war were and are.