Lenin’s Legacy: Hamburg’s Unlikely Connection to the Soviet Icon
At the Eppendorf University Hospital’s Medical History Museum, an unexpected exhibition has emerged: a tribute to Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union. While Lenin’s star may have waned in his former ideological strongholds, the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the complex relationship between this controversial figure and the city of Hamburg.
Lenin’s Medical Connection
Lenin’s connection to Hamburg stems from his debilitating stroke in March 1923. Paralyzed and unable to speak, his aides summoned Dr. Max Nonne, a renowned neurologist then residing in Eppendorf. Nonne traveled to Moscow and examined Lenin, documenting his findings in the patient’s medical records, which are now housed in the UKE’s archives.
Nonne’s involvement was not without controversy. As a doctor who had treated traumatized soldiers with electric shocks during World War I, he was viewed with skepticism by some. However, his expertise ultimately prevailed, and he consulted on Lenin’s treatment.
Warburg’s Artistic Interpretation
Beyond Lenin’s medical connection, Hamburg also played a role in the artistic interpretation of his legacy. Aby Warburg, a renowned art historian and close acquaintance of Nonne, was fascinated by the Soviet leader’s death. Warburg dedicated particular attention to a commemorative postage stamp issued in the Soviet Union, hailing it as "a work of art of the highest order."
Despite their shared Hamburg roots, Warburg and Nonne had a strained relationship. Warburg, who was Jewish, faced antisemitism from Nonne, who had harbored antisemitic sentiments since his childhood.
Political Entanglements and Historical Perspectives
The exhibition at the Medical History Museum explores not only Lenin’s life and death but also the intricate political and cultural contexts surrounding him. It delves into the power dynamics of medicine, the rise and fall of ideologies, and the complexities of historical memory.
With two compact rooms, the exhibition presents a wealth of historical artifacts and contextualizing information. Visitors can witness Lenin’s medical records, scrutinize Warburg’s artistic analysis, and contemplate the broader implications of Lenin’s legacy.
Criticisms and Legacy
The exhibition has not been without its detractors. Some have questioned the wisdom of dedicating an exhibition to such a controversial figure, especially in light of Hamburg’s active leftist scene. However, the exhibition’s curators argue that it is precisely because of Lenin’s profound historical impact that he deserves attention and critical examination.
Lenin’s legacy remains a complex and contested one. While he played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the 20th century, his authoritarianism and suppression of dissent have cast a long shadow over his achievements. The Hamburg exhibition invites visitors to grapple with these contradictions and consider the multifaceted nature of historical figures.
Additional Tidbits
- The Medical History Museum is open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8 pm.
- The exhibition is accompanied by a guided tour led by museum director Philipp Osten, offering insights into the historical context and controversies surrounding Lenin.
- The museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into Hamburg’s lesser-known connections to global events and personalities, inviting visitors to explore the city’s rich and multifaceted past.
