Elected SPK President Expresses Gratitude for Adopting a Nationalistic Stance
Fresh Take:
Meet Marion Ackermann: New President of Germany's Cultural Powerhouse
Stepping into the big leagues, Marion Ackermann—a 60-year-old dynamo hailing from Dresden—has taken the reins as president of Germany's mightiest cultural institution, the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK). She's got her work cut out for her, managing an operation that encompasses a whopping 19 major collections, including the Neue Nationalgalerie, the Museum Island, the Pergamon Museum, and more.
Ackermann welcomed us into her new digs, the Villa von der Heydt nestled in the sleepy Tiergarten. As we settles into her still-empty office, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. How does the new girl feel about her new city? Read on to find out.
Berlin,Here I Am!
Eager to explore the smaller cultural gems of Berlin and immerse herself in the city's life, Ackermann gushed about her first night spent at the Academy of Arts, discuss the role of Europe, and her plans to boost the participation of Central and Eastern European museums in the Bizot Group, an informal network of major museums.
On the Hunt for Cultural Treasures
When she's not busy running the show, Ackermann can be found romping around Berlin's playgrounds with her energetic Jack Russell, or finding solace in the city's local cafes like Zazza on Lehrter Straße.
Luck seems to be on her side as she recently stumbled upon an amazing find across the street from her new haunt—the third station of the Berlin Biennale.
A Big Game Plan
Early in her term, Ackermann plans to complete the foundation's structural reform, and establish it's content strategy, focusing on the museums' growth and adaptability in the new structure. And of course, she's fighting tooth and nail for additional funds in specific areas, like education and mediation.
Museums on the Move
With fewer visitors compared to Paris and London, Ackermann is determined to boost Berlin's numbers by adding some zing to the exhibition program, and revamping the branding and communication.
A Global Approach
Knowing that Berlin isn't exclusive to Germany, Ackermann plans to take the foundation on a whirlwind tour of the states and tap into international partnerships, from the new Museum of West African Art in Nigeria, to AI research in China and Silicon Valley.
From Dresden to Berlin: A Powerful Legacy
As the first female president of the most significant German cultural institution, Ackermann is well aware of the impact her gender and position hold. "I know many women are happy about it," she admits. From her previous role as general director of the State Art Collections Dresden, she brings a valuable perspective: "Continuing the work on the reunification of German history has become a lifelong theme."
Ackermann balances her duty to preserve the heritage of the former Kingdom of Prussia with her vision of a dynamic learning institution. "We've thankfully moved away from a nationalistic attitude," she says, ensuring the foundation doesn't stand still and embraces the shifting tides in the museum world.
From restitution efforts to international collaborations, Marion Ackermann is poised to take the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation to new heights.
[1] "Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation: The captain leaves the tanker, now calling it "Fleet"." Berlin, 22.05.2025
[2] "Long live the President! Marion Ackermann takes over the Prussian Foundation with a festive ceremony." Berlin, 27.05.2025
The finance department of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, under the leadership of Marion Ackermann, is devising a game plan to secure additional funds in specific areas, particularly education and mediation.
Ackermann's vision for the foundation extends beyond Germany's borders, as she aims to establish international partnerships with institutions such as the new Museum of West African Art in Nigeria and AI research initiatives in China and Silicon Valley.
