Mudam defends itself against bullying and mismanagement allegations

« The presentation in the article does not reflect the values ​​or everyday reality in the Mudam. Nevertheless, we take the perspectives of both current and former employees seriously. »

This is a first statement by the communication department of the Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (Mudam) for the recently published RTL article « Mëssänt am Kommusée Mudam. E Klima vun. (March 31, 2025).

Upon request, the Mudam team emphasizes in writing to the « Luxemburger Word »: « Our focus is on listening, acting with integrity and ensuring that the Mudam remains a place where employees and visitors feel equally secure, supported and inspired. »

However, the allegations to the current director of the Kirchberger Museum, Bettina Steinbrügge, are still in the room: bullying, favoritism and administrative problems with regard to the budget, the exhibition planning and the future visions. The working atmosphere is simply bad, as RTL reports.

First analysis in the Mudam completed at the beginning of the year

When the Chairman of the Mudam Board of Directors, Patrick Majerus, derived in January surprisingly, this makes high waves. Politics interferes – Minister of Culture Eric Thill (DP) is required to take a position on the possible internal grievances in the museum. Bettina Steinbrügge, on the other hand, believes that Majerus’ resignation is a personal decision and that she and her team are not entitled to comment on it.

The ministry is usually behind the Mudam team, Minister of Culture Eric Thill still confirms the need for action in the museum. Which is why a private consulting company carries out an analysis of the structure. This was committed as early as 2024. So far, neither the Ministry of Culture nor the Mudam did not want to share which company was commissioned with this work.

However, as the communication team around Eric Thill writes in an email exchange with the « Luxemburger Word », it is none of the « Big Four » that this study carried out between September 2024 and January 2025. However, one does not want to call the consulting company because this asked not to be exposed in the media in order to ensure a good continuation of the process.

The Mudam Communication Department also explains: « We work with the last study that was completed at the beginning of the year. The study is very helpful and we have been in the process of putting the results and suggestions into practice since the beginning of the year. » The whole thing is a longer process that you want to communicate transparently in due course.

« Natural fluctuation in the team » and further development of the museum

As RTL announced on Monday, six people have left the Mudam since Bettina Steinbrügge took over the management of the Kirchberg Art Museum in spring 2022. It is not quite clear whether the toxic working atmosphere was the reason for a job change for everyone.

« As in every international museum, a natural fluctuation in the team can be expected. The colleagues in question worked in their position for several years and took exciting new opportunities to leading international art institutions, » says Mudam for changing staff.

In addition, one would work for a continuous development of the institution. « The latest measures include updating personnel processes, team training initiatives and new formats for internal dialogue. We know that changes need time, and we are still striving to create a positive and supportive work environment. »

As a director, Bettina Steinbrügge is regularly present in the museum and in Luxembourg, but she also represents the institution abroad. « International trips are an essential part of the role of the director both in the Mudam and in similar institutions. »

This is the only way to build partnerships, strengthen the museum’s reputation in the international art scene and come into contact with artists. « All trips are coordinated and coordinated with the board and museum management, » writes the Mudam Communication team.

Optimization process of the institution is in the center

« The Ministry of Culture takes the statements about internal challenges in the Mudam, which were addressed in the recent media reporting, seriously and relies on the fact that they are processed transparently and thoroughly. However, the ministry cannot leave the vehemence and the sharpness of various opinions in the room, » says the Ministry of Culture.

Since the Ministry of Culture has been accusing the allegations against Bettina Steinbrügge, the communication team around Eric Thill has not announced. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that you stand in regular dialogue with all « establishments publics », including in the case of the Mudam.

This exchange showed that the Mudam had to be strengthened in its administration. « The Ministry also supported the initiative of the Board of Directors and the Directorate to instruct an external consulting firm with an objective analysis of the administration and internal procedures in September 2024. »

For Eric Thill, the first priority is to further advance the open-ended optimization of the institution with the new president of the board of directors, Jean-Paul Olinger, and the whole team.

It was announced in February that Jean-Paul Olinger will be the new president of the Mudam Board of Directors. The « Luxemburger Word » received no feedback on the time of the publication of this article.