German Audit Office Suggests Raising Museum Fees, Cites Misspending

The German state audit office has urged Baden-Württemberg's state museums to increase their entrance fees. Auditors suggest that museums should aim to cover at least 10% of their operating expenses through ticket sales, a significant jump from the current 6% achieved in 2024. The report highlights that the high quality of exhibits justifies a higher price, with current fees ranging from 5 euros to 14 euros. The audit office recommends adjusting prices at least every three years.

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The state museums in the southwest should increase their entrance fees.

In a separate finding, the auditors uncovered substantial financial mismanagement at the State Media Center. They reported widespread violations of budgetary regulations, including the procurement of expensive equipment and decorative items, as well as generous subsidies for excursions where the business purpose was unclear. Notably, the center acquired cryptocurrency worth approximately 33,000 euros, which is now largely worthless. Furthermore, suspicions exist that the center awarded contracts to a private company between January 2021 and February 2024 without adhering to public procurement laws.

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The state media center procured crypto assets for around 33,000 euros, which are now largely worthless and whose official use is questionable.

The Ministry of Education has responded to these allegations by announcing a restructuring of media education. Successful services and offerings from the State Media Center are to be integrated into existing structures at the Institute for Educational Analysis and the Center for School Quality and Teacher Training. The audit office also examined the practice of sending teachers from Baden-Württemberg to German schools abroad, though specific findings on this matter were not detailed in the provided text.

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The ministry announced that media education would be restructured.