Art Blooms: A New Era for Amsterdam's Public Realm
The Grand Vision: Crafting a World-Class Sculpture Haven
The Rijksmuseum's latest endeavor involves the creation of a sprawling sculpture garden, envisioned as an international artistic landmark. Scheduled for completion in late 2026, this significant undertaking is made possible by a generous \u20ac60 million grant from the Don Quixote Foundation. The project will introduce a freely accessible verdant cultural space in Amsterdam, showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary sculptures amidst thoughtfully designed landscapes and architecturally adapted structures. Officially named the Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden at the Rijksmuseum, it will host pieces by celebrated artists like Alberto Giacometti, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Jean Arp, Roni Horn, and Henry Moore, complemented by a dynamic schedule of temporary art installations.
Architectural Integration: Transforming Historic Spaces into Artistic Arenas
Situated in close proximity to the Rijksmuseum, at the junction of Boerenwetering, Ruysdaelkade, and Stadhouderskade, the new garden will unify three existing pavilions and their surrounding grounds with the Carel Willinkplantsoen. These pavilions, notable for their Amsterdam School architectural style, have previously been inaccessible to the public. Their conversion into dedicated sculpture exhibition venues will be overseen by Foster + Partners, while the landscape architecture will be meticulously crafted by Belgian architect Piet Blanckaert, ensuring a harmonious blend of art and nature.
Expanding Horizons: A Landmark Contribution to Public Art
This initiative represents a pivotal moment for the Rijksmuseum, significantly broadening its engagement with 20th-century sculpture, both in terms of physical space and institutional scope. Taco Dibbits, the museum's director, emphasizes the historical importance of this donation, highlighting its role in elevating the visibility of modern sculpture and substantially enriching the museum's 20th-century art holdings. Beyond funding the garden's development, the Don Quixote Foundation will also provide a substantial collection of sculptures on extended loan, thereby deepening the curatorial richness of the project.
Cultivating Community and Ecology: A Green Legacy for Amsterdam
More than just an artistic venture, the garden is conceived as a vital ecological enhancement for the city. Plans include the strategic planting of twenty-two mature trees and a diverse array of indigenous flowers and plant species, aimed at bolstering urban biodiversity. The space will offer free daytime access, with its primary entry point located on Stadhouderskade. The precise public access schedule will be finalized through consultation with local residents and city authorities. Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, enthusiastically describes this as a magnificent gift for everyone in Amsterdam, anticipating that residents and art enthusiasts alike will soon revel in its tranquil natural beauty and artistic splendor.