Award Celebrating the Preservation of Historical Landmarks
German Heritage Award Honours Ingrid Girrbach for Saving Tuttlingen's Railway Museum
Ingrid Girrbach, a dedicated advocate for preserving Germany's railway history, is set to receive the German Heritage Award 2025. The Silver Half Globe, the highest award for civic engagement in heritage protection, will be presented to her on November 3 in Berlin.
Girrbach's commitment to the German Steam Locomotive and Model Railway Museum in Tuttlingen spans over three decades. Her tireless efforts and significant personal funding have ensured the museum's survival and growth.
Located on a four-hectare site in Tuttlingen, the museum preserves technical witnesses of German railway history. It features a seven-stall ring locomotive shed, a fully functional turntable, and other facilities from the active time of the railway workshop.
Visitors can explore 26 steam locomotives, several diesel and electric locomotives, historical passenger, sleeping, and freight cars, and many other exhibits. The museum offers guided tours, lectures, and interactive activities for all age groups, making it an engaging and educational experience for everyone.
Girrbach's dedication to the museum began when she saved the former railway depot from decay. Her efforts not only ensured the preservation of a significant piece of German history but also made it accessible to the public.
For her outstanding contribution to heritage protection, Ingrid Girrbach is a worthy recipient of the German Heritage Award 2025. Her work at the German Steam Locomotive and Model Railway Museum in Tuttlingen serves as a testament to her passion for preserving Germany's rich railway history.
