Vienna, Austria — April 8, 2026
The Hermann-Gmeiner-Park in Vienna’s Inner City district is being renamed Börsepark following abuse allegations against the late founder of SOS Children’s Villages, Hermann Gmeiner, the city announced.
Unanimous Decision by City Council
The Cultural and Science Committee of Vienna’s City Council unanimously approved the renaming, as confirmed by Councilor Veronica Kaup-Hasler. The new name, Börsepark, was chosen to reflect the park’s location and provide clarity within Vienna’s urban structure.
Kaup-Hasler emphasized the city’s swift response to the allegations, stating, *"Wir haben auf die neuen Erkenntnisse und die damit verbundenen schwerwiegenden Vorwürfe rasch reagiert und zugleich eine Lösung gefunden, die breit getragen wird."* (*"We have responded quickly to the new findings and the serious allegations associated with them and at the same time found a solution that is widely supported."*)
The proposal had already gained broad approval at the district level before being finalized at the city level without delay.
Allegations and Historical Reckoning
SOS Children’s Villages first publicly addressed abuse allegations against Gmeiner in late October 2025. According to reports, around 200 cases of abuse were filed with Austria’s Victim Protection Commission between 2013 and 2023, eight of which implicated Gmeiner. Some victims received compensation of up to 25,000 euros and therapy sessions from the organization.
Further allegations surfaced in early March 2026 through investigative reporting by the weekly newspaper *Falter*. The revelations prompted renewed scrutiny of Gmeiner’s legacy and the institutions bearing his name.
Kaup-Hasler underscored the importance of confronting difficult historical truths, stating, *"Gerade bei Fragen der Erinnerungskultur braucht es einen verantwortungsvollen und sensiblen Zugang. Dazu gehört auch, aktuelle Erkenntnisse ernst zu nehmen und entsprechend zu handeln und unsere Gesellschaft so zu gestalten, dass der Schutz von Kindern und Jugendlichen konsequent mitgedacht wird."* (*"Especially when it comes to questions of remembrance culture, a responsible and sensitive approach is needed. This also means taking current findings seriously and acting accordingly, shaping our society in a way that consistently considers the protection of children and young people."*)
Broader Implications for Vienna
The renaming marks a significant step in Vienna’s ongoing efforts to address historical figures linked to abuse. The decision aligns with broader societal shifts toward accountability and transparency in cases of institutional harm.
The park’s new name, Börsepark, ties it to its geographical context near Vienna’s stock exchange, ensuring a neutral and locally relevant designation. The move has been met with support from local officials and residents, who view it as a necessary correction in light of the allegations.
As Vienna continues to grapple with its historical legacy, the renaming serves as a reminder of the city’s commitment to confronting uncomfortable truths and prioritizing the well-being of victims.