The Rijkmuseum in Amsterdam is planning to open a €60 million Modern sculpture garden—if the neighbours and planners agree.
In a press announcement on Tuesday, the Dutch national museum of art and history announced it had received an “exceptional donation” and promise of long-term art loans from the Don Quixote Foundation, a charity set up by the local billionaire businessman Rolly van Rappard and its largest private donor.
On a triangle of land a stone’s throw away, the museum wants to create a green space and three pavilions for temporary exhibitions and sculptures by artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Jean Arp and Henry Moore. These pavilions will be designed by Foster + Partners, while the Belgian landscape architect Piet Blanckaert will design the garden. Like its own gardens, the Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden at the Rijksmuseum is expected to open to the public free of charge.
“This is a donation of historic significance, and a historic moment for the Rijksmuseum,” said the museum’s general director Taco Dibbits in the statement. “It marks an unprecedented enhancement of the Rijksmuseum’s collection of 20th-century art.”
The mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, also expressed her support. “This is a wonderful gift for everyone in Amsterdam,” she said. “Local residents, city dwellers and art lovers will soon be enjoying the tranquil natural surroundings and artistic beauty.”
However—unusually—the announcement was made before planning permission has been granted for the project, which includes the restoration of three listed buildings.
Ans Lievense, a resident of the area for four decades, said several neighbours initially expressed concerns that mature trees would be cut down. “As far as I’m concerned, they can do it tomorrow,” she told The Art Newspaper. “I’m for nature and there will be so many new trees that it will be terrific… There are always a few moaning Minnies.”
While the Rijksmuseum has announced that the garden would open this autumn, this will depend on how quickly the planning procedure progresses. An initial application was submitted last May and Loes Takaya, spokeswoman for the Zuid area, said the council expects to receive more documents by the end of this month. “Based on that, the business services department will review the application,” she said. “At this stage, it’s difficult to give an exact date.” The Rijksmuseum has been approached for comment about the permissions process.
Opening times, similarly, are to be established “in consultation with the municipality and local residents”, said the Rijksmuseum. But other residents assured The Art Newspaper there was broad support. “It is a great present to the city,” said neighbour Arthur van Schendel. “We are happy.”
