Hermann Parzinger to Step Down as Head of Germany’s Largest Cultural Institution

After 17 years leading the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Parzinger plans to focus on writing and heritage advocacy as Marion Ackermann prepares to succeed him.

Hermann Parzinger will retire as president of the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (SPK) at the end of May 2025 after 17 years in the role.
Marion Ackermann, currently the director of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, will take over as SPK president starting June 2025.
The SPK, Germany’s largest cultural institution, includes the Berlin State Library, several research institutes, and 15 museum collections with over 4.7 million objects.
Parzinger plans to complete a book on the Stone Age by the end of 2025 and has additional writing projects lined up.
He will also dedicate more time to his role as volunteer president of Europa Nostra, a leading European cultural heritage network.