Struggling to Stay Open: Landesmuseum zur Slawenzeit Faces Financial Woes
Museum of Slavic Era's Expenditures Exceeding Revenue: A Financial Struggle for the Institution - Slavic Era Expenses at the State Museum Outweigh Security Income
Delving into the challenges faced by museums outside Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's major cities, we find the Landesmuseum zur Slawenzeit in Groß Raden as the latest example of institutions grappling with financial pressure. After an audit, the State Audit Office has raised concern over the museum's economic operation.
Housing a Slavic period fort, traditional residences, craft facilities, a temple, and an exhibition building, this museum showcases the rich history of the era. Regrettably, the museum's visitor count, especially during the colder months, is rather dismal, according to the Audit Office.
From the audit report, we see that the expenditure on security personnel, approximately €100,000, surpassed the museum's revenue of over €58,000 during the period from March 2022 to February 2023. The imbalance is particularly pronounced in the winter months, with only 1,882 visitors between November 2022 and March 2023. This resulted in €33,000 in security costs against a mere €5,300 in ticket sales.
To trim costs, the Audit Office recommends either partially or completely closing the museum during winter months, or boosting appeal with increased ticket prices, more captivating exhibitions, events, and projects, or strategic investments to attract more visitors.
The Ministry of Culture counters this recommendation, citing concerns about potential vandalism and theft if the museum were unguarded during the winter months. Moreover, enhancing the museum's appeal would require investment, but the state's funds are "very limited."
Outside the major cities, extended closures during the winter months have become increasingly common for cultural attractions. For instance, the state-owned Ludwigslust Castle is reducing its general operating hours from November to March, operating only on weekends to cut costs. The state-owned Mirow Castle offers visits only by appointment from November to February, while the state-owned Bothmer Castle operates on weekends and offers a fixed guided tour on Thursdays during the winter months.
These financial woes highlight the unique set of challenges faced by museums in rural areas. Factors like insufficient funding, lower visitor numbers, and increased infrastructure costs can create a perfect storm, making it difficult for these institutions to thrive without creative solutions or external support.
The Audit Office suggests boosting the museum's appeal by increasing ticket prices, holding more captivating exhibitions, organizing events, and undertaking strategic investments – measures which can potentially attract more visitors and reduce financial strains. However, the Ministry of Culture expresses concerns about vandalism and theft if the museum were unguarded during winter months, and limited state funds pose a challenge to implementing such changes. In light of these challenges, industry experts might look towards finance for aid, research, and development in lifestyle, home-and-garden, and business sectors to devise innovative solutions for community aid, ensuring these rural museums can continue to preserve and share their rich heritage.
