Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation receives the Innovation Award of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry for the Museum Island
Press release from 11/17/2009
Hermann Parzinger, President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, accepted the 2009 Innovation Award from Klaus Laepple, President of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry, at the Tourism Summit yesterday evening. The Foundation received the award for its highly publicised and forward-looking Museum Island and Humboldt Forum projects. In his laudatory speech, Klaus Laepple emphasised the "successful bridging of history and modernity". Visitors are offered "magnificent new worlds of experience" and "a magical and impressive journey through 6,000 years of human history."
Hermann Parzinger said: "I am delighted to accept this award, as it emphasises the great success of Museum Island Berlin with the public. Over 3 million people visit it every year, well over half of whom are long-distance tourists. This unique ensemble of five museums, along with its famous collections of European and Middle Eastern art and culture, is currently experiencing a rebirth made possible by the fall of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago. In a few years, the Museum Island will be complemented by the Humboldt Forum, which will broaden our view of cultural artefacts from all over the world."
This is the tenth time the association has awarded the prize. It honours personalities, companies, associations or projects that have had an innovative impact as pioneers and trailblazers in the tourism industry. The main focus is on forward-looking ideas and their realisation. Award winners in recent years include: Airbus Industries, Deutsche Bahn AG, Crown Prince of Dubai H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and ArabellaStarwood Hotels and Resorts (further information on the website of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry).