Editorial
Spring not only brings warmer days, but also a period of intense work at the museum. While construction work in Laudongasse continues to progress, we are preparing for the reopening at the Otto Wagner Site. Just after the editorial deadline, we received the news that the closure of the main building will be extended until 2027. The interview about the return to the building will therefore be published next year.
Cultural mediation is also being restructured: under the direction of Laleh Monsef, a new inclusive program focusing on dialogue and participation is being developed through 2027. Until then, the existing formats will be paused (S. 6).
There is also news from the Interreg project Turning Points, in partnership with the Bratislava City Museum. Until 2028, the team will explore how turning points over the past 40 years have shaped democracy, identity, and collective memory—and what role museums can play in these processes (S. 4). Another highlight is the artistic residency of Bogdana Kosmina. With her project Atlas Vernacular Hardcore, she investigates traditional Ukrainian homes and their reconstruction during wartime. A studio visit in April, along with a series of talks and an exhibition in autumn, will offer insights into her work (S. 5).
We would also like to warmly welcome Claudia Shikhare, who has been Head of Finance and Human Resources since February and is guiding us through the restructuring process with great expertise.
Last but not least, there will again be reasons to celebrate: on May 1, the Mostothek will open the new season with a garden festival featuring live music, barbecue facilities, and an invitation to celebrate May Day together. And because last year’s event was such a success, we are once again inviting everyone to our summer festival at the Otto Wagner Site—as always, on the first Tuesday in July.
We look forward to your curiosity and companionship during this special period of transformation.
Please read the following articles in the current issue 2/2026 of the News:
Schaufenster: Interreg-Projekt Turning Points
Schaufenster: Vermittlung im Museum: Ein Update – oder: Warum wir jetzt erstmal die Säge schärfen
Schaufenster: Die „Lamarr-Krippe“ – ein Neuzugang in die Museumssammlungen
Programm der Kulturvermittlung
Veranstaltungen des Vereins fü Volkskunde
Volkskunde/Europäische Ethnologie in Österreich