Hesse's Minister of Culture, Timon Gremmels, praises the voluntary commitment and the importance of the museum as a meeting place – €2,000 prize money
The Reinheim Museum is delighted to receive a special award: Hesse's Minister of Art and Culture, Timon Gremmels, has named the institution, housed in the former rectory, "Museum of the Month." The honor, which falls under this year's theme "Museum as a Third Place," includes a prize of 2,000 euros. The award particularly recognizes the dedication of the more than 40 volunteers who shape the museum not only as an exhibition space but also as a vibrant meeting place for the people of Reinheim.
The museum presents the history of the city and its inhabitants in a variety of ways. A working forge and a weaving room offer insights into earlier working environments. A historic pharmacy and a gentleman's study bring everyday life from bygone eras to life. In contrast, air-raid shelters and emergency accommodations serve as reminders of difficult and austere chapters in history.
More than just a place for historical exhibitions
The state of Hesse awards the "Museum of the Month" competition to recognize particularly successful museum work. This year's focus, "Museum as a Third Place," highlights institutions that, in addition to their traditional role as exhibition and educational venues, also offer opportunities for encounters and social exchange.
In the jury's opinion, the Reinheim Museum fulfills precisely this function.
“The Reinheim Museum is both an exhibition venue and an open meeting place: Here people meet and exchange ideas, learn about their homeland and enjoy being together,” explained Culture Minister Timon Gremmels at the award ceremony.
The friendly and family-like atmosphere makes the museum a special meeting place and thus perfectly reflects this year's competition theme.
More than 40 volunteers are involved
The minister particularly emphasized the voluntary commitment. More than 40 people regularly contribute to the museum's work. They organize festivals, support local clubs and associations, and develop programs for different age groups.
"What makes the Reinheim Museum special are the people who are active in it," Gremmels emphasized.
Through their work, the museum has long since become an integral part of urban life – even independent of traditional museum visits.
Civic engagement has a long tradition in Reinheim. For generations, citizens have contributed to maintaining and developing the institution.
Special exhibitions and offers for all generations
In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum regularly focuses on special topics from the region. This year, for example, the special exhibition "Apple Bliss" is on the program.
The museum is also active in the Reinheim local festival. The team collaborates with various partners, including the Foreigners' Advisory Council and the Youth Forum.
Another feature is the so-called "club showcases." These are designed on a rotating basis by Reinheim clubs and allow them to present themselves and their work in the museum. At the same time, this is intended to attract new visitor groups.
However, encounters are expressly encouraged even outside of scheduled events. For example, the museum staff's regular meeting is also open to guests. The museum courtyard with its benches can also be used by everyone.
This makes the museum not only a place where history is preserved and conveyed, but also a meeting place for social life in Reinheim.
A new application round is already underway
The "Museum of the Month" award is given through an application process. A jury consisting of two representatives each from the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Art and Culture, and the Hessian Museums Association decides on the selection. Depending on the thematic focus, the panel is supplemented by an additional expert.
Museums can already apply for the next round of the competition. Next year's focus will be on "Sustainable Projects" and "Social Participation".
The application deadline is December 15, 2026.
Further information about the competition and the application process can be found on the website of the Hessian Ministry of Culture.
(REINHEIM – RED/Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture)
Featured image: Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture
