New Hope for Schloss Marienburg: Lawyer Mario Mathias Ohle Appointed as Foundation Director
Schloss Marienburg, a dilapidated castle south of Hanover, has a new lord. Attorney Mario Mathias Ohle has been appointed as the foundation director, effective immediately, according to the board of the Stiftung Schloss Marienburg (Schloss Marienburg Foundation).
Ohle’s Credentials and Aspirations
Ohle boasts extensive experience in managing large-scale projects and is a highly respected legal expert "with comprehensive experience in public procurement and renovations in complex processes," said Ernst August Erbprinz von Hannover, chairman of the foundation board.
The crown prince expressed confidence in Ohle’s abilities, stating, "I am convinced that he will lead the foundation and the Marienburg project back to success."
In addition to his legal expertise, Ohle serves as an advisor to the German government and lectures on IT and procurement law at the University of Oldenburg.
Thorough Selection Process
The foundation received approximately two dozen applications, which were meticulously evaluated by a selection committee representing the House of Hanover, the Ministry of Science and Culture, the Hanover Region, and the Cultural Foundation of the Länder.
Previous Controversy
In September 2022, the foundation’s former director Ulrich von Jeinsen was abruptly dismissed for "gross and repeated breaches of duty." The foundation’s announcement provided limited details, leaving von Jeinsen puzzled. He stated to Deutsche Presse-Agentur that he remained unaware of the reasons for his dismissal and believed there were irreconcilable differences regarding the foundation’s financial viability.
Urgent Need for Renovation
For years, Schloss Marienburg has been closed to the public due to its dilapidated state. The federal government and the state of Lower Saxony have allocated €27.2 million for its renovation, but the foundation estimates that this amount will fall short.
Partial Reopening Plans
Lower Saxony’s Minister of Culture Falko Mohrs (SPD) has pledged to make at least parts of Marienburg accessible again. According to a spokesperson, the castle’s stability and weather resistance are of utmost priority, and a list of necessary measures will be presented to the foundation board.
Prolonged Closure and Renewed Interest
The renovation is projected to continue until approximately 2030. Prior to its closure, up to 120,000 visitors annually flocked to the castle perched on a hill near Pattensen in the Hanover region. Since Marienburg became the filming location for the internationally acclaimed teen series "Maxton Hall," tourist interest has surged.
Conclusion
The appointment of Mario Mathias Ohle as the foundation director marks a new chapter in Schloss Marienburg’s history. With his expertise and the support of the foundation board, Ohle aims to restore the castle to its former glory, bringing it back to life as a cultural and architectural treasure for generations to come.
