Running a Museum - Management and Governance for a public museum institution

blocked course

Location: Seminarraum 23 (VZA, EG)

Since their spin-off from the federal administration, Austria's Federal Museums are independently managed economic units owned by the Federal Government. As scientific institutions under public law, they house Austria's important collections and are dedicated to their research, care and preservation. As major economic factors in City Tourism and  and as part of the overall National Cultural offerings, they are increasingly required to prove their profitability as companies.

The course aims to convey what defines museums as non-profit institutions, how they are structured and how their work is organized. In addition to ownership relationships, decision-makers, legal framework conditions and job profiles, the focus will be on how scientific work and economic requirements are beeing matched.

It is planned to combine the theoretical part with practical case studies (individual or group work). A joint museum visit is possible

Unit 1 - Fri. March 13, 2026: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Museum as Institution: legal basis, ownership structure, regulatory, stakeholders, core tasks

Unit 2 - Fri. March 20, 2026: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Museum as Organization: work areas, functions, job profiles and required qualifications

Unit 3 - Fri. April 17, 2026: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Museum als operational Business: Finance, Contract Management, Processes and controlling

Unit 4 - Fri. April 24, 2026: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Museum as Scientific Entity: Meeting scientific aims and business goals

Grading based on participation and short tests after each unit.

75% attendance kindly requested - no unexcused absence plse.

For inquiries plse contact me via email teresa.mitterlehner-marchesani@uni-ak.ac.at