For a decade now, the Lotto Museum Prize from Lotto Baden-Württemberg has been recognizing the diversity, innovative strength and social relevance of non-state museums in the state. What began in 2015 as an impulse to strengthen the museum landscape has long since developed into an established quality award. Today, the prize is one of the most important recognitions for museum work in the southwest - an award that creates visibility, enables projects and strengthens cultural dialogue in the long term.
In its anniversary year, the main prize goes to the Städtische Galerie Karlsruhe, which has been housed in a former armaments factory for almost three decades and attracts around 40,000 visitors every year. The jury praised the gallery's consistent focus on 20th and 21st century art, the cleverly curated exhibitions and the remarkable combination of collection, mediation and contemporary debate. Special mention was made of the new presentation of the holdings, which is combined with creative formats for all age groups. A museum that - as Museum Association President Sabine Mücke emphasizes - keeps art alive and invites people to get actively involved.
Winners of the Lotto Museum Prize 2025 at the Städtische Galerie Karlsruhe © Bruno Kelzer
from left to right: Dr. Gisela Splett, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Lotto Baden-Württemberg; Dr. Albert Käuflein, Mayor of Karlsruhe; Sabine Mücke, President of the Museumsverband Baden-Württemberg e.V.; Stefanie Patruno, Director of the Städtische Galerie Karlsruhe; Paul Nemeth, Managing Director of Lotto Baden-Württemberg; Dr. Christian Baudisch, Director of the Deutsches Fleischermuseum; Martina Meyr, Vice President of the Museumsverband Baden-Württemberg e.V.
Director Stefanie Patruno sees the award as an "incentive to continue to shape art as an open space for participation and new perspectives". For Karlsruhe, the award is also a tribute to the city's long-standing commitment to culture.
The eXtra Prize 2025 goes to a museum that is still unique in the German museum landscape: the German Butcher's Museum Böblingen. In a half-timbered house from the 16th century, it brings together cultural-historical aspects of the butcher's trade with contemporary issues. The combination of historical objects, contemporary art and socio-political topics such as nutrition and sustainability makes the museum a lively place of discourse. "It is unique and goes far beyond the traditional understanding of a craft museum," said Martina Meyr in her laudatory speech. The fact that the prize has become a strong pillar of the cultural infrastructure over the years is also demonstrated by its financial foundation: more than 300,000 euros in prize money has been distributed since 2015. It comes from the cultural income of Lotto Baden-Württemberg, which invests millions in art and culture every year via the betting fund - and thus makes far more than just prizes possible: it strengthens collections, facilitates restorations and supports regional open-air museums.The Lotto Museum Prize 2025 impressively demonstrates how museums can preserve history, negotiate the present and think about the future. And it is a reminder that cultural diversity cannot be taken for granted - it is the result of a strong network of commitment, support and passion.
www.lotto-bw.de
