Benno von Arent Nazi, member of the NSDAP and SS; was responsible for organizing cultural leisure Date of Birth: 19.07.1898 Country: Germany

Biography of Benno von Arent

Benno von Arent was born on July 19, 1898, in Görlitz, Germany, to a family of Prussian oberleutnant. After completing high school, he joined the volunteer corps Freikorps during the turmoil of the First World War, ultimately becoming a soldier in the Reichswehr. Following the war, Germany faced unemployment, and Arent had to make his own way in life.

With a background in theater and self-taught knowledge of architecture, Arent worked in various Berlin theaters from 1923, where he was responsible for set design. As a politically savvy young man with a desire to participate in the political life of his country, Arent joined the ranks of the SS in 1931 and became a member of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in 1932. Alongside his duties as a set designer, he organized cultural activities for his comrades, including theatrical performances, films, and exhibitions.

In 1936, Arent was appointed as the Reich's theater artist by special order of Adolf Hitler. Hitler, being a decent artist himself, treated Arent somewhat indulgently, establishing a relationship of 'student-teacher' and often imposing his own stage concepts and projects on his subordinate. During demonstrations, Arent participated in creating posters and designing festive streets, which ultimately influenced his stage style.

In 1937, Arent was awarded the title of professor, and in 1939, he became the designer of the new uniform for the Nazi diplomatic service. In addition to his artistic work and party duties, Arent also worked as an architect. His most famous architectural work was the design of the German Labor Front building.

During World War II, Arent was promoted to the rank of Oberführer in the SS in 1944, and towards the end of the war, he was captured by the Soviet Union and was only released in 1953. Benno von Arent passed away in Bonn on October 14, 1956.