Staatliches Museum Schwerin

The Staatliches Museum Schwerin / Ludwigslust / Güstrow represents the artistic memory and foundation for the cultural identity of the Federal State (Land) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Its locations, consisting of the Gallery of Old and New Masters Schwerin and the three residential castles and palaces in Schwerin, Ludwigslust and Güstrow, reflect the history of the land extending back more than 1,000 years, with treasures of international renown from antiquity to the present day on display there. As an official institution, it belongs to the Federal State (Land) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The heart of the stock of artistic items can be traced back to Mecklenburg’s ducal collection, which originally served to represent the princely powers at that time. This representational aspect now only occurs to a partial extent. Today, the museum’s activities consists of academic and artistic research, as well as safeguarding and exhibiting the artworks – in fulfilment of the museum’s official responsibility to promote cultural education.

A piece of art only becomes consummate on being viewed. For which reason, our mission consists of attracting as many people as possible to and guiding them through the artworks on display here, in order on the one hand to consummate art, while bringing the visitors in contact with the intrinsic power of art on the other hand. Thus it is also our task to provide and facilitate access to an understanding of art for all sections of society in line with their specific knowledge and needs.

Each year, about 300,000 visitors come to the collections and exhibitions in the Staatliches Museum Schwerin / Ludwigslust / Güstrow. Doing so, not only are they affirming their interest in the art and culture of the land, but also the great importance of art itself.
Together with the Baltic Sea and the regional scenery, its art and culture represent the hallmark of the Federal State (Land) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. [source]