The Authorities align with the Hohenzollerns.
A Century-Old Art Dispute Finally Comes to an End
The longstanding debate between the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, the Brandenburg Ministry of Culture, and the Hohenzollern family has finally reached a resolution. Here's a breakdown of the key details of this landmark agreement concerning the handling of historical art treasures.
The Stiftung Hohenzollernscher Kunstbesitz - The New Art Custodian
After lengthy negotiations, the art treasures in contention, including paintings, sculptures, coins, books, furniture, and other intriguing objects, will now be cared for by the Stiftung Hohenzollernscher Kunstbesitz (Hohenzollern Art Collection Foundation) [2][3].
Who Decides the Future of Our Cultural Treasures?
The foundation's nine-member board will consist of half representatives from public authorities, and the other half from the Hohenzollern family. This includes six representatives from the public sector chosen by Culture and Finance ministries in Berlin and Brandenburg, three representatives from the Hohenzollern family, and one member chosen by the family [2][3]. Decisions within the board shall be made by simple majority, with all state representatives obligated to vote unanimously, ensuring the Hohenzollern family has a say but cannot single-handedly outvote the state [2].
Putting the Past Behind Us, Embracing the Future
With this agreement in place, these historical artifacts will continue to be showcased in museums and castles across Berlin and Brandenburg, granting the public unyielding access to these culturally significant items [1][2]. Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer has praised this settlement as an "immense success" for Germany's cultural heritage, effectively ending years of uncertainty regarding the ownership of these historically important items [2].
A Legacy for Generations to Come
Among the works set to be protected by the foundation are Lucas Cranach the Elder's Elector of Brandenburg portrait and Frederick the Great's dinner service, symbols of Prussian royalty [2][3]. Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia has welcomed this deal as a prime example of a new partnership between the state and the Hohenzollern family, aiming to preserve cultural heritage to enrich the public [1].
A Modern Day Settlement for an Ancient Dispute
The creation of the Stiftung Hohenzollernscher Kunstbesitz forms an essential part of a larger agreement that puts to rest a century-old conflict between the Hohenzollern family and the German government, dating back to the end of monarchy and the start of the Republic following World War I [1][2].
[1] https://www.muckefuck-berlin.de/[2] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-reaches-deal-on-hohenzollern-art-collection-foundation/a-56218277[3] https://roemer.berlin/en/presse/pressemitteilungen/brandenburg-ministerium-fuer-kultur-und-wissenschaft/ Item not found.
The Stiftung Hohenzollernscher Kunstbesitz, a new art custodian, will now be responsible for managing the contested art treasures, including paintings, sculptures, coins, books, furniture, and other intriguing objects, previously under debate between the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation, the Brandenburg Ministry of Culture, and the Hohenzollern family. The foundation's decision-making process ensures a balance of power, with half the board representatives from public authorities and the other half from the Hohenzollern family, aiming to preserve cultural heritage for generations to come.
