Struggling Museums: Landesmuseum zur Slawenzeit - Winter Woes Leave Budget in the Red
Museum Expenses Outstrip Income at Slavic History Institution - Slavic Era Expenses at the State Museum Outstrip Income, Largely Due to Enhanced Security Measures
Cultural institutions outside the bustling cities of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are facing a tough stretch, and the Landesmuseum zur Slawenzeit is the latest example. Following a review by the State Audit Office, the museum has been criticized for its inefficient operations.
Located in Groß Raden near Sternberg (Ludwigslust-Parchim district), the museum showcases the Slavic period. In the open-air area, visitors can explore a Slavic fortress, residential quarters, craft facilities, and even a temple. For indoor enthusiasts, there’s an exhibition building too. But winter visitors are few and far between, according to the audit report.
Roughly €58,000 in income versus €100,000 on security - a chilling imbalance
The audit team scrutinized the period from March 2022 to February 2023. During this time, the security company's costs totaling around €100,000 outstripped the museum's income of approximately €58,000. In the colder months, the disparity is especially pronounced. From November 2022 to March 2023, only around 1,882 visitors dropped by - but the security company's bill stood at nearly €33,000, while the museum earned barely €5,300. In 2022 alone, the museum welcomed over 24,000 visitors.
Winter closure or boosting appeal? The auditors' recommendations
In light of these figures, the State Audit Office suggests either partially or fully shutting the museum during the winter months to cut costs on external personnel. Other options include raising admission fees or enhancing the appeal of exhibits, events, and projects to draw in more visitors.
The Ministry of Culture admitted that closing the open-air section in winter isn't feasible, as the risk of vandalism and theft would increase without adequate security. However, increasing the attraction quotient of exhibits, events, and projects requires an investment that the state can't always provide, due to budget constraints.
Closing the winter exhibit: A growing trend among cultural landmarks
Across the region, winter closures are becoming more common in cultural landmarks outside the major cities. For instance, the state-owned Castle Ludwigslust has reduced its general opening hours from November to March to weekends, to save costs. Similarly, the state-owned Castle Mirow only allows visits by appointment from November to February, while Castle Bothmer on the Mecklenburg Baltic coast only opens on weekends from November to March, with a fixed guided tour on Thursdays.
[1] Germany's Economic Outlook
[2] Creatives Unite
[3] Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance Germany
[4] Inflation in Germany
[5] Attracting Skilled Labor to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Community aid could be provided to help manage the financial struggles at the Landesmuseum zur Slawenzeit, especially during the winter months when visitor numbers are low. Home-and-garden projects, such as improving the museum's outdoor exhibits or fortress, might also increase appeal and attract more visitors. This could not only boost the museum's income but also enhance the overall cultural landscape of the region.
