(Bad Ischl/Vienna, 25 October 2024) On October 24, 2024, the Republic of Austria awarded the Monument Protection Medals to people who have rendered outstanding services to the preservation of monuments at the Lehár Theater in Bad Ischl. Christiane Druml, Director of the Josephinum with the collections of MedUni Vienna, was honored for the successful general renovation of the Josephinum.
“I am delighted with the outstanding commitment of the award winners. The awarding of the Monument Protection Medal provides us with a platform that showcases people who love and live monument preservation. Thank you very much for that!” said Christoph Bazil, President of the Federal Monuments Office, at the award ceremony.
“The award-winning projects not only illustrate that craftsmanship and restoration are the basis of monument preservation. This is sustainability in action and conservation of resources!” said Theresia Niedermüller, Head of the Arts and Culture Section at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport.
Successful general refurbishment of the Josephinum
In 2014, preparations began for the general renovation of the Josephinum and extensive historical, archaeological and restoration studies were carried out. Following the restoration of the outer shell, the interior of the building was extensively restored in a second step and redesigned as the Vienna Museum of Medical History. The main objectives were to create a contemporary museum infrastructure, measures for accessibility and the redesign of the exhibition with its outstanding collection.
Due to the importance of the museum and its collection, numerous restorers and specialized craftsmen were employed. A particular highlight was the restoration of the lecture hall and the complete uncovering of the wall paintings from the period of construction. The reorganization of the collection also included the restoration of the extensive inventory of historical exhibition furniture as well as comprehensive care and restoration measures on the valuable collection objects themselves.
Christiane Druml has been Director of the Josephinum since 2015 and represented the Josephinum throughout the entire period of the general refurbishment. The jury praised Druml's performance: “In a complex constellation of decision-making institutions, she showed outstanding commitment to the building, its collection and its history and, far beyond her professional background as a lawyer and bioethicist, advocated compliance with the highest standards of monument conservation. Through her outstanding personal commitment, Christiane Druml made a significant contribution to ensuring that the Josephinum is a monument, museum and living research facility for the future.