Fresh Faces, Fresh Ideas: Onnen Takes the Reins as Bremen's Heritage Guru
New Appointee Assumes Role as Bremen's Principal Preservator, Taking on Skalecki's Legacy
Stepping into the shoes of retired titan Georg Skalecki, Christine Onnen is the fresh, dynamic force set to lead Bremen's State Office for Monument Protection and State Archaeology, effective October 1st.
Whether it's by email, or word of mouth, the buzz is out - and for good reason. This Delmenhorster native, with roots deep in Bremen's soil, is destined to steer the ship of cultural preservation in this vibrant metropolis.
Andreas Bovenschulte, Culture Senator for the SPD, wholeheartedly endorses her as Skalecki's worthy successor. Christine Onnen boasts a wealth of experience, traversing various realms of heritage conservation. Her previous endeavors have well-equipped her to take on the challenges of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, even when delicate decisions can enjoy the support of the masses.
Christine Onnen, academic to her core, holds a doctorate in art history. She further honed her skills with stints in literature and German studies at universities in Kiel and Vienna. From Lower Saxony and Hamburg's heritage conservation offices to the helm of Brandenburg's "Inventory and Documentation" department since 2018, she's been at the forefront of preserving monuments, including Potsdam's historical gems.
"I'm eager to tackle this new challenge," she says, drawn not just by professional curiosity but also by her childhood connection to the city.
As Bremen's cultural landscape evolves and faces mounting pressure for change, it becomes even more crucial to maintain its architectural heritage. Onnen intends to foster understanding of heritage conservation and collaborate with the city community to develop solutions that ensure the city's rich past continues to shine in its future.
With her modern approach and commitment to maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and progress, Christine Onnen is poised to guide Bremen's cultural future - one monument at a time.
[1] For more information, please refer to the Press Office of the Bremen Senate or current archaeology news sources from June 2025.
- The science of art history, coupled with her experience in heritage conservation, has equipped Christine Onnen to advance education and self-development through a deeper understanding of Bremen's cultural heritage.
- In her new role, Christine Onnen plans to focus on fitness and exercise for the city by ensuring preservation efforts in health-and-wellness facilities and architectural sites of significance.
- To propel career development in the field, Christine Onnen intends to engage learning opportunities for the city community, collaborating in the development of strategies that promote heritage conservation for future generations.