Profile and structure of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz - Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz

The Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation) is one of themost important cultural institutions in the world. It brings together museums, libraries,archives and research institutes whose collections document the cultural developmentof humanity – in Europe and beyond. It is aunique association in which all areas of cultural heritage are represented.

Diversity within the association

Within the association, museums, libraries, archives and institutes preserve, research and communicate unique testimonies to human history. These include the museums and institutes of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, the Geheimes Staatsarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz, the Ibero-Amerikanische Institut and the Staatliche Institut für Musikforschung Preußischer Kulturbesitz. Their collections are universal in nature. They document the cultural development of humanity from its beginnings to the present day, in Europe and on other continents. They originated in Brandenburg and Prussia and have grown encyclopaedically.

All institutions conduct independent research and are integrated into national and international networks.

Tasks and responsibilities

The foundation preserves and maintains its extensive collections, supplements them and makes them accessible to the public – through exhibitions, events, publications and diverse access to library and archive holdings.

In addition to their own projects, its institutions participate in numerous collaborations with cultural and educational institutions in all federal states, for example through joint exhibitions, loans or specialist networks. Within the SPK, for example, the Institut Für Museumsforschung, the Koordinierungsstelle für die Erhaltung des schriftlichen Kulturguts and the office of the Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek perform national tasks.

Federal structure and joint sponsorship

The SPK was founded in 1957 as a federal foundation to preserve Prussia's cultural heritage as the heritage of all of Germany. It is jointly funded by the federal government and all 16 federal states. The federal government and the federal states are represented on the Foundation Council, the highest governing body. An independent Advisory Board advises the Foundation Council, the Executive Board and the President on technical and scientific matters.

Cultural responsibility and place of work

With around 2,000 employees, the foundation is the largest employer in the cultural sector in Germany. It sees itself as a platform for exchange, research and cultural responsibility – with an impact far beyond Berlin. The foundation and all its institutions are based in Berlin.

Historical roots and current development

The foundation's name reflects the cultural heritage entrusted to it. Since its establishment, the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation has exerted a comprehensive appeal that extends far beyond Germany. Today, the SPK also plays a key role in the cultural and urban development of Berlin's historic centre.