Schwerin State Museum opens after renovation: free for 4 years!

Schwerin State Museum opens after renovation: free for 4 years!

A new chapter in the cultural history of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was opened on October 31, 2025, when the Schwerin State Museum was ceremoniously reopened after a four-year renovation. The official opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig, Minister of Culture Bettina Martin and the museum director Dr. Pirko Zinnow accompanies. The extensive modernization of the museum, which cost 11.5 million euros, was largely financed by the Dorit & Alexander Otto Foundation with 7.5 million euros and by the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which contributed around 4 million euros.

Visitors can look forward to four years of free entry, which should further fuel interest in the new cultural magnet. The exhibition spaces have been redesigned and now offer 400 square meters of additional space, housing both historical and modern works of art. Thanks to digital and interactive offerings, visiting the museum becomes an experience for young and old. Particularly noteworthy are the improvements in family-friendliness and accessibility, such as electric lifting platforms, automated doors and a modern WiFi network.

Diversity of art and new offerings

With the reopening, the museum is now presenting an exciting reorganization of its collections. Modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries can be found in the basement, including works by renowned artists such as Günther Uecker and Wolfgang Mattheuer. On the upper floor, the Old Masters were re-staged under the direction of curator Gero Seelig. A special highlight is the loan of three Rembrandt paintings from the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, which will be on display for the next six months.

What is particularly impressive is the combination of old and modern art, which museum director Dr. Zinnow emphasized. Artists from the region such as Matthias Wegenhaupt and Otto Niemeyer-Holstein can also be found in the collection, which strengthens and honors the local art scene. In addition, the historic layers of paint on the walls and columns were uncovered and the ceilings and floor coverings were restored. During the renovation, architect Marlene Wetzel placed particular emphasis on color design that does justice to the historic location.

A look into the future of museums in MV

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is rich in museums, there are around 200 in total, which make culture and art history come alive. The state supports numerous institutions, including the Peenemünde Historical-Technical Museum and the German Marine Museum Foundation in Stralsund. At the same time, there are some museums that are run by cities, associations or private individuals. A state office also advises non-commercial institutions and receives financial support from the Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs.

The reopening of the Schwerin State Museum marks an important step towards strengthening the region's cultural heritage. With generous free admission, modern exhibition spaces and a variety of works of art from different eras, the museum has high goals, both in the quality of the exhibitions and in visitor loyalty. The next four years of allowing the public to discover this cultural heritage for free are definitely something to look forward to.