Prominent Museum Director in Germany: Marion Ackermann - Germany's prominent museum director, Marion Ackermann, set for a significant role change soon.
Marion Ackermann to Assume Role as President of Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation
Marion Ackermann, a renowned German art historian and museum director, is set to take over as the head of Germany's most significant cultural institution – the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) in Berlin, effective June 1. A formal inauguration ceremony will be held on May 27.
In her new role, Ackermann will also oversee the Museum Island, one of Berlin's primary tourist attractions and a globally recognized museum district, home to the Nefertiti bust and works by Caspar David Friedrich.
With eight years under her belt as the director of the Saxon State Art Collections (SKD), the 60-year-old Ackermann has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. Her appointment represents a logical step up in her distinguished career, having become the youngest director of a major house in Germany at the age of 38.
Born in Göttingen in 1965, Ackermann began her career as a curator at the Lenbachhaus in Munich. Following stints as the director of Kunstmuseum Stuttgart and the artistic director of the Art Collection North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf, she joined the SKD in 2016.
Dresden years marked by successes and setbacks
During her tenure in Dresden, Ackermann's term was characterized by both triumphs and challenges. Highlights included major exhibitions on Jan Vermeer and Caspar David Friedrich, the launch of a children's biennale, exhibitions showcasing radical artists behind the Iron Curtain, and presenting global and subcultural art from the late 1970s.
Contacts with artists, collectors, and cultural institutions worldwide, as well as her advocacy for art and culture, have engendered her widespread respect both within and outside the museum world.
On the flip side, her time in Dresden was also marred by a notable theft from the Historic Green Vault and public criticism over a state treasure loss. In late 2022, most of the stolen jewels were returned during the trial, with some precious items still missing. The subsequent overhaul of the security system at the SKD involved a significant investment.
Cultural diplomacy and female empowerment in leadership
Ackermann has utilized her personal connections effectively, approaching people openly and inspiring both with her passion for art and her commitment to women's empowerment. She has also demonstrated her ability to navigate crises.
In Dresden, she focused on partnerships with regional museums and cultural diplomacy, particularly in Eastern Europe. Additionally, she championed education and mediation projects, which encountered temporary setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic but saw rapid digital progress because of lockdowns.
An advocate for a more permeable and interactive approach to museums, her latest initiative at the SKD, the Archive of the Avant-Gardes, emphasized a new museum concept.
Reforming the SPK for international competitiveness
As the leader of the SPK, which comprises around 2,000 employees, including the Staatsbibliothek Berlin and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ackermann aims to make it a formidable competitor on the international stage. She believes that Germany's museums need to display more internationality and act with a touch more freedom.
Ackermann has expressed her desire to strengthen ties with cultural institutions worldwide, especially in challenging systems. This ambition reflects her commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for visitors in Berlin's museums, balancing preservation of cultural heritage with creative innovation.
- Marion Ackermann's role expansion includes managing the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation's vocational training programs, encouraging the next generation of art historians and museum professionals.
- Ackermann advocates for a more fashion-forward approach to museum displays, aiming to appeal to a broader audience and modernize the museum's style.
- The food and drink sector collaborates with the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, introducing traditional German cuisine and local delicacies at Museum Island.
- In Ackermann's vision for the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, home and garden exhibitions emphasize the integration of art and practical living, showcasing innovative ideas for sustainable design and eco-friendly living.
- Relationships between cultural institutions and grassroots communities are prioritized under Ackermann's leadership, ensuring that local perspectives are included in museum programming.
- Ackermann's pet-friendly policies welcome animals at some Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation events, promoting inclusion and stressing the importance of compassion towards all creatures.
- Travelers visiting Berlin are offered special packages that combine sightseeing with educational workshops and vocational training programs at the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation.
- As Ackermann champions community involvement, cars are provided for museum outreach programs, enabling staff to reach remote areas and engage with underrepresented communities.
- The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation offers a range of vocational training programs in the education and self-development sector, catering to individuals seeking career advancement in the art world.
- Ackermann's shopping initiatives support local artisans and small businesses, encouraging visitors to purchase unique, handmade souvenirs while supporting the local economy.
- In an effort to create a well-rounded career-development experience for foundation staff, sports facilities are made available for team-building activities and employee wellness programs.
- Participants in the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation's vocational training programs secure exclusive access to sports events, such as football, baseball, and hockey matches, as part of their training.
- Golfing enthusiasts will find connections with Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation staff, as networking opportunities are facilitated through shared interests in various sports.
- Sports-betting fans can engage in engaging discussions with Ackermann and fellow enthusiasts about European leagues like basketball, MLB, NHL, racing, Premier League, NBA, Grand Prix, horse racing, and tennis.
- The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation's renovated weather center forecasts ideal conditions for outdoor sports events, ensuring that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the sports-betting experience.
- Ackermann's commitment to fostering a dynamic, innovative museum environment extends to embracing diverse art forms, such as mixed martial arts and sports analysis, as part of the institution's offerings.
