With the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) and the Humboldt Forum in Berlin, two of Germany's largest cultural institutions are on the right path towards a common future. Following a comprehensive reform of the foundation that is currently underway, which will result in autonomous museums and institutes, the Humboldt Forum could become an independent part of the new SPK. Responsible leaders made this clear in DPA discussions.
In Berlin, the foundation, which is supported by the federal and state governments and has around 2,000 employees, includes not only the state library but also the state museums with 15 collections and 4.7 million objects in 19 locations. The SPK uses the 40,000 square meter Humboldt Forum in the reconstructed Berlin Palace with two of its museums, the State of Berlin, the Humboldt University and the Humboldt Forum Foundation. Exhibitions from Asia, Africa, America and Oceania, as well as objects related to Berlin's history, are on display.
“First of all, it is important that the SPK transformation is implemented,” said SPK President Hermann Parzinger. “If it is set up as a network of institutions operating autonomously, then of course another institution could be added, and in the Humboldt Forum our collections have played a central role from the beginning.”
Parzinger pointed out one of the problems: “In the current structure, the general director of the Humboldt Forum has no responsibility for the state museums’ collections because they belong to the SPK.” Despite the efforts of both sides, there are always losses due to friction. “In this regard, a holistic home design would be a huge improvement,” says Parzinger.
German State Minister for Culture Claudia Roth (Greens) also sees the two institutions working more closely in the future. “The perspective for the Humboldt Forum should be the SPK”, said the politician. It doesn't make sense if it works in parallel.