Reward for Guarding Ancient Landmarks

Ingrid Girrbach, a dedicated advocate for the German Steam Locomotive and Model Railway Museum in Tuttlingen, has been chosen as the recipient of the German Prize for Heritage Conservation 2025. This prestigious award, the highest honour for civic engagement in heritage conservation, will be presented on November 3, 2025, during a formal ceremony in Berlin.

Girrbach's commitment to the museum, which she has served for over 30 years, goes far beyond the usual extent. She was deeply involved with the former railway operations depot in Tuttlingen, playing a crucial role in saving it from decay. Through personal effort and funding, she helped preserve this historic site before it was transformed into the German Steam Locomotive and Model Railway Museum.

The museum, unique in Germany, combines heritage conservation, technical history, and voluntary commitment. It houses 26 steam locomotives, several diesel and electric locomotives, historical passenger, sleeping, and freight cars, and numerous other exhibits. The museum's four-hectare site includes a seven-stall roundhouse, a fully functional turntable, and other facilities from the active time of the railway workshop.

Visitors can experience history up close through guided tours, lectures, and interactive activities for all age groups at the museum. The public can contact the Press Office or the Citizen's Representative for more information.

The ceremony is organised by the Ministry of Regional Development and Housing, and the award ceremony is a part of the 2025 German Prize for Heritage Conservation announcement. The German National Committee for Heritage Conservation (DNK) is responsible for presenting the awards, and the Silver Half-Sphere is the symbol of this esteemed recognition.

The ceremony in Berlin will be a significant event in the heritage conservation community, marking not only the recognition of Girrbach's dedication but also the continued importance of preserving our nation's rich railway history.