Berlin’s Museum Doors Slam Shut: A Crisis for Students and a Teacher’s Urgent Plea
Berlin, Germany – A growing crisis is unfolding in Berlin’s cultural landscape, threatening to deprive generations of students of vital educational experiences. Prolonged closures of key museums – the Pergamon, Märkische, and even portions of the German Historical Museum – are forcing educators to scramble for alternatives, sparking a debate about access to culture and the future of learning in the city. This is breaking news with long-term implications for Berlin’s educational system.
Years Without the Pergamon Altar: A Lost Generation?
Ada M. Hipp, a Berlin teacher with three decades of experience, has sounded the alarm. In a contribution to the Berliner Verlag’s open-source platform, Hipp details the devastating impact of the ongoing renovations. The iconic Pergamon Altar, a cornerstone of ancient history education, won’t be viewable in its renovated glory until 2027, with the entire Pergamon Museum remaining closed until 2037. “How many of my generations of students will never visit this collection in full?” Hipp asks, highlighting the four-year academic window for most students – a timeframe that simply won’t align with the museum’s reopening.
The situation isn’t isolated to the Pergamon. The Märkische Museum, crucial for history, ethics, and art studies, is slated for a 2026 (potentially 2028) reopening after being closed since January 2023. Even the German Historical Museum (DHM), a reliable resource for workshops, has its Zeughaus armory – housing the main German history exhibition – shuttered for construction, with no firm reopening date in sight.
The Rise of the Screen and the Loss of ‘Real’ Experience
Hipp’s concerns extend beyond mere logistical challenges. She passionately argues for the irreplaceable value of experiencing artifacts firsthand. “Especially on site, in the museum, a visit would be urgently needed…to actually look at things ‘in real’ and examine things, to look at them directly and not on a screen,” she writes. This sentiment resonates deeply in an age dominated by digital distractions. The irony isn’t lost on Hipp: after a pandemic that forced learning online, there’s now a growing push to limit screen time, yet access to physical learning spaces is dwindling.
The debate mirrors a broader societal shift. The push for mobile phone bans in schools highlights a growing awareness of the potential harms of excessive screen use. Hipp points to a cyclical pattern – embracing technology during crises, then recoiling from its negative consequences. But the core issue remains: can a TikTok image truly replicate the impact of holding a centuries-old drinking vessel?
Searching for Alternatives: A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the bleak outlook, Hipp identifies potential alternatives. The Humboldt Forum, offering free admission on Mondays, and the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, which provides free access for young people, offer temporary solutions. However, even these options are not without caveats – the Humboldt Forum is introducing charges for some exhibitions from October 3rd.
Hipp draws a stark contrast with the United Kingdom, where state museums are consistently free and open year-round. “Education for everyone in our museums? Doesn’t exist,” she laments, pointing to funding constraints as the primary obstacle. The recent abolition of Berlin’s free museum Sunday further exacerbates the problem.
A Call for Investment in Cultural Education
The situation demands a fundamental reassessment of priorities. Hipp’s plea isn’t simply for temporary fixes, but for a sustained commitment to accessible cultural education. “If we want education for everyone, we either have to save, do without something else or set up a special fund for education. Whatever it takes!” she asserts. This isn’t just a Berlin issue; it’s a national conversation about the value we place on cultural heritage and its role in shaping future generations. The closures serve as a potent reminder that access to culture isn’t a luxury, but a fundamental component of a well-rounded education. The future of learning in Berlin – and perhaps beyond – hangs in the balance.
