Struggling Slavic Museum: Audit Uncovers Financials Nightmare
Museum for Slavic Age: Income Falls Short of Expenses for Watch Costs - Enhanced Security Expenses at Slavic Era Museum Outstrip Income Generation
Welcome, folks! It's a grim tale today as we delve into the economic struggles facing museums outside the bustling cities of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The latest casualty on the chopping block is the Landessmuseum, specifically its Archaeological Open-Air Museum in Groß Raden, near Sternberg (Ludwigslust-Parchim district). Unfortunately, budget chaos reigns supreme, as detailed in a harsh assessment by the State Audit Office.
This museum stands proud as a testament to the Slavic era, with an open-air area showcasing a Slavic fortress, residential and craft facilities, an authentic temple, and exhibition building. However, the numbers don’t lie! With a revenue of just over 58,000 Euros, the auditors contend that the astronomical costs for security guards nearing 100,000 Euros have the books screaming red! During the notoriously frosty winter months, the deficit grows even worse: between November 2022 and March 2023, the museum received a measly 1,882 visitors, resulting in a staggering 32,700 Euros drained by security personnel, while raking in a paltry 5,300 Euros in revenue, according to audit findings. In contrast, the entire year of 2022 boasted more than 24,000 visitors.
The Audit Office suggestsvisit the museum partially or completely closing in the winter months to slash expenditure on external staff. Alternatively, beefing up the exhibition, hosting engaging events, and increasing admission fees might entice more visitors.
The Ministry of Culture, however, dismisses the idea of winter closures due to fears of vandalism and theft in the open-air area. Boosting the exhibition's appeal calls for investments, but evidently, state funds are rather thin.
Cultural beacons outside urban centers are increasingly adopting prolonged winter closures. For example:
- The state-owned Ludwigslust Castle reduces its general opening hours from November to March to weekends to save costs.
- Appointments are needed to explore the state-owned Mirow Castle in the Mecklenburgische Seenplatte district during the winter months.
- Schloss Bothmer along the Mecklenburg Baltic coast, also in state hands, opens only on weekends from November to March, with a fixed guided tour on Thursdays.
As the economic landscape in Germany continues to rumble and grumble, with a predicted stagnation in 2025 before growth resumes [1], museums in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern had best brace themselves for the financial winds ahead, employing strategies like cost reduction, seeking additional funding [2], organizing events, expanding digital presence [4], and forging partnerships to weather the storm. [5] May the odds forever be in their favor!
- To combat the financial challenges, the Landessmuseum could explore community aid for innovative solutions, such as fundraising events or collaborations with local home-and-garden enthusiasts for showcasing Slavic lifestyle replicas.
- In light of the audit findings, further investment in research and development for the museum could involve developing immersive and interactive exhibits that cater to broader audiences, fostering a more welcoming and engaging atmosphere, potentially driving up visitor numbers and revenue.
