Ambras Castle director sparks leadership clash over mobbing and mismanagement claims

A dispute has erupted at Ambras Castle in Innsbruck after its director, Veronika Sandbichler, publicly rejected claims made by the management of the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM). The conflict follows allegations of mobbing, mismanagement, and a breakdown in communication between staff and leadership.

An external investigation by Deloitte has now been ordered by the Austrian Culture Ministry to examine the claims after pressure from the works council.

The row began when Sandbichler accused KHM's leadership of failing to support her team during a restructuring process. She stated that she and her staff had developed detailed proposals and presented them in multiple meetings, only to face resistance.

In response, KHM's director, Jonathan Fine, and the museum's leadership denied all mobbing allegations. They dismissed Sandbichler's claims as baseless and suggested they were an attempt to secure better severance terms. Fine's team also issued two formal reprimands against her—one in October 2025 for allegedly not informing management about a visit by Federal Presidents Steinmeier and Van der Bellen, and another in January 2026 over the payment of an employee's annual bonus. Sandbichler called these reprimands unjustified and intimidating. The works council, led by chair Marianne Novotny-Kargl, has criticised management for poor communication and a lack of support during the changes. Novotny-Kargl described the workplace atmosphere as increasingly difficult for employees, with advisory meetings rising sharply since the restructuring began last year. The council is now demanding a full, independent investigation into the allegations. Meanwhile, Ambras Castle saw a 12% drop in visitor numbers in 2024, though ticket revenue climbed by 16% in the same period.

The Austrian Culture Ministry has commissioned Deloitte to conduct an external review of the situation. The investigation will examine the claims of mobbing, management practices, and the broader working conditions within the KHM association.

Sandbichler remains in her role as director, while the works council continues to push for greater transparency and accountability from leadership.