Ambras Castle faces financial shifts and escalating internal conflicts in 2025

Ambras Castle is facing internal disputes and financial shifts. Visitor numbers dropped by 12 percent in 2024, yet ticket revenue climbed by 16 percent. Meanwhile, tensions between management and staff have escalated, with the works council calling the situation for employees 'very difficult'. Since March 2025, Veronika Sandbichler, director of Ambras Castle, and her team have worked on detailed proposals. These included content, strategy, and structural plans, alongside a business field analysis presented on December 12, 2025. Despite multiple meetings, Sandbichler claims management failed to provide meaningful feedback or decisions.

Sandbichler has publicly rejected accusations made by the KHM-Museumsverband during a press conference. She describes two formal reprimands—issued in October 2025 and January 2026—as baseless and intended to intimidate. The first reprimand allegedly stemmed from her not informing management about a visit by Federal Presidents Steinmeier and Van der Bellen. The works council has criticised management for poor communication and lack of support throughout the restructuring process. They report a sharp rise in advisory meetings since the changes began last year. Now, they are demanding an independent investigation into serious allegations within the Kunsthistorisches Museum association.

The dispute leaves Ambras Castle in a state of uncertainty. Employees continue to face challenges, while management and the works council remain at odds. The call for an external review could determine the next steps for the institution.