Kiel brings together 15 cultural institutions in the emergency network for cultural assets!

Kiel brings together 15 cultural institutions in the emergency network for cultural assets!

On June 10, 2025, the Kiel Emergency Association was founded in the university library of the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel. This association includes 15 cultural institutions and aims to better protect cultural assets and minimize damage in an emergency. In view of the growing threats posed by climatic and social changes, the protection of cultural property is becoming increasingly important. The emergency network enables a coordinated response to disasters such as fire, water damage, extreme weather or vandalism, so that institutions can act quickly to avoid destruction.

The institutions involved in the emergency network include the Kiel Art Gallery, the Kiel University Library, the Kiel City Archives and the Zoological Collection. This was NDR confirmed. The idea behind this merger is that the institutions can support each other with materials, personnel and expertise in order to be able to react quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.

An important goal: mutual support

Dagmar Linden, who comes from Museum Consulting and Certification Schleswig-Holstein, explains the need for such an emergency network. They say it is critical that valuable collections are appropriately protected in the event of fire, flooding or other threats. Until recently, Schleswig-Holstein was one of the few federal states without its own emergency network for these cultural institutions.

In order to strengthen the structure of the association, cooperation with local emergency authorities is also included in the planning. This shows the state's active support from the state office for preservation and museum advice. Further regional associations are already being planned, with emergency associations to be established in all districts and cities throughout Germany by the end of 2025. The first emergency network was founded in February 2025 in the Schleswig-Flensburg district, as a result of a fire in the Angeln/Unewatt Landscape Museum.

Public exhibition to raise awareness

In order to inform the public about the importance of protecting cultural assets, the exhibition “The Kiel Emergency Association - Protecting Cultural Assets in Schleswig-Holstein” will be shown in the Kiel University Library from June 10th to September 6th, 2025. This exhibition highlights the challenges faced by cultural institutions and displays exhibits that have been damaged by various environmental factors. Dr. In this context, Kerstin Helmkamp emphasizes responsibility for cultural heritage and emphasizes the importance of appropriate protective measures.

The Kiel Emergency Network shows how important it is to prepare for emergencies and thus preserve Schleswig-Holstein's rich cultural heritage. Future steps and initiatives will be pursued to strengthen cultural property protection nationwide.