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German Court of Auditors Urges State Museums to Raise Entry Fees

institutional · 2026-07-20

The Court of Auditors of Baden-Württemberg has recommended that the state's eleven museums and the Center for Art and Media (ZKM) increase their admission prices. In 2024, entry fees covered only 6% of operating costs. The auditors propose raising prices to cover at least 10% of expenses, with adjustments every three years. Current fees range from €5 (Archaeological State Museum, House of History) to €14 (ZKM Karlsruhe), with most museums charging €8. The institutions attract over two million visitors annually. The report argues that the high quality of exhibitions justifies higher ticket prices.

Key facts

  • Court of Auditors of Baden-Württemberg recommends raising entry fees for state museums
  • In 2024, entry fees covered only 6% of operating costs for 11 museums and ZKM
  • Goal is to cover at least 10% of expenses through ticket sales
  • Current fees range from €5 to €14, with most museums at €8
  • Over two million people visit these institutions annually
  • Museums include Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, Landesmuseum Württemberg, Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, ZKM, and others
  • Report presented in Stuttgart
  • Auditors recommend price adjustments at least every three years

Entities

Institutions

  • Court of Auditors of Baden-Württemberg
  • Center for Art and Media (ZKM)
  • Archaeological State Museum
  • House of History
  • Staatsgalerie Stuttgart
  • Landesmuseum Württemberg
  • State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart
  • Linden Museum Stuttgart
  • Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe
  • Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe
  • State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe
  • Landesmuseum für Technik und Arbeit Mannheim
  • Staatliche Kunsthalle Baden-Baden

Locations

  • Baden-Württemberg
  • Stuttgart
  • Karlsruhe
  • Mannheim
  • Konstanz
  • Baden-Baden
  • Germany

Sources