Cultural Property Protection – A Nexus of Military and Civilian Perspectives

In late April 2025, the Wanderausstellung Kulturgüterschutz, initiated by the Austrian Armed Forces, was hosted at Schattenburg Castle in Feldkirch. As part of the event series Spotlight Cultural Property Protection, the exhibition was supported by the Office of Cultural Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein. It served as a valuable forum for dialogue and exchange among professionals from the cultural sector, the military, and public administration.

At the exhibition’s opening, Martin Caldonazzi, chairman of the Schattenburg Museum Association, reflected on pivotal moments in Feldkirch’s history - including the Battle of Feldkirch, the devastating city fire of 1697, and the bombings of World War II - illustrating the fragility of cultural heritage. Brigadier Gunter Hessel, Commander of the Vorarlberg Military Command, offered insights from a military standpoint, while Hannes Schramm of the Office of Cultural Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein presented civilian protection strategies and institutional frameworks.

Following the opening remarks, guests were invited to explore both the exhibition and the historic Schattenburg Castle, providing a meaningful opportunity to engage more deeply with the subject and to exchange perspectives on the contemporary challenges facing cultural property protection.

A recording of the exhibition opening, titled 'Protection of Cultural Property – A Nexus of Military and Civilian Perspectives', is available here: