Latest in a string of controversies, the Bavaria State Painting Collection has been alleged to harbour racist and sexist work culture.
The Bavaria State Painting Collection in Munich is home to a host of famed artworks that have been displayed across Germany. Earlier this year, it was faced with the first major controversy when a local newspaper alleged that the collection has far more Nazi-looted artworks than it earlier claimed. Restitution of Nazi-looted artworks has been a sensitive topic in Germany, so there was an understable uproar when the news first broke. The overseeing organization of the collection denied such allegations. However, Markus Blume, Minister of Science and Arts of Bavaria, said he would be investigating it further.
The controversy had barely settled down when another broke this week. Another local German newspaper ran a report that the organization had various toxic workplace practices. These include sexual harassment, racial harassment, and illegal surveillance of employees.
Immediately after the news first broke, Markus Blume gave a public statement saying: “We are enabling a new beginning. […] There have been and continue to be indications and allegations of misconduct and, in some areas, organizational failures.” The same day, it was reported that Bernhaard Maaz, director general of the Bavaria State Painting Collection, has left his position. It wasn’t made clear if he had voluntary stepped down or was fired.
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Later, Blume announced another press release where he talked about various steps that would be taken to address the ongoing issues at the organization. He also appointed Anton Beibl, who currently serves as the head of cultural affairs in Munich, as the temporary leader at the Bavaria State Painting Collection.
