MMK Frankfurt staff allege toxic workplace in public letter to director Susanne Pfeffer

Approximately 80% of staff at the Museum für Moderne Kunst Frankfurt have anonymously endorsed a six-page letter that highlights a harmful and abusive workplace environment. This document, which was reviewed by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, was submitted on 5 April 2022 and became public when management failed to respond within the 14-day timeframe. The letter outlines issues such as frequent violations of personal boundaries, neglect of employee welfare, and unclear decision-making processes that have contributed to mental and physical health problems, including anxiety and chronic sleep disorders. Director Susanne Pfeffer acknowledged receipt of the letter and informed FAZ that she provided an internal response on 13 May detailing plans for structural changes. Concerns about workplace culture were initially raised in 2019, shortly after Pfeffer assumed her role, but no significant changes occurred, according to an anonymous source. Ina Hartwig, chairwoman of MMK since 2017 and Frankfurt's culture councillor, is aware of the letter but has not made any statements. These allegations stand in contrast to the museum's recent focus on socially pertinent topics, such as power dynamics and institutional violence, as seen in the 2021 exhibition 'crip time,' which addressed new approaches to care and connection.