Since Bettina Steinbrügge took over as director of Luxembourg’s contemporary art museum Mudam in spring 2022, around 30% of the staff have left the institution, according to RTL sources. These departures stem from various causes but are widely linked to internal management and governance issues.
In late March, RTL reported on serious concerns within the museum. Staff members spoke of a “climate of fear” and “chaotic management”, which they say have resulted in numerous resignations and several formal complaints. At the centre of these concerns is Steinbrügge herself, whose leadership has reportedly triggered unrest among employees and disrupted operations.
These issues will now be addressed at the parliamentary level. On Wednesday 23 April, the Chamber’s culture committee is set to discuss the “governance situation at Mudam” following a request by The Greens (Déi Gréng).
A letter from the museum’s board of directors to Steinbrügge last year warned of the severity of the situation, stating plainly that the situation is serious. Since her arrival, approximately 15 out of 50 staff members have left the museum – a turnover rate significantly above what the official communication had referred to as “natural fluctuation”.
Notably, the head of administration is also stepping down, and just one original member of the management team remains.
In January, the board’s then-president, Patrick Majerus, resigned. In an urgent letter to Minister of Culture Eric Thill, he raised alarms about the internal problems.
Majerus’ successor, Jean-Paul Olinger, currently director of the Luxembourg tax administration, took over in March and met with Mudam staff in early April to discuss the challenges facing the museum.
In light of these developments, both Culture Minister Thill and board president Olinger have been summoned to appear before the Chamber’s culture committee to provide clarity on the museum’s leadership and direction.
