Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam Appoints Els van der Plas as New Director
The Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam has announced the appointment of Els van der Plas as its new director. Known for her extensive background in cultural institutions, van der Plas brings a wealth of experience to the university museum, which focuses on archaeology, ancient worlds, and cultural history.
Born in 1960, Els van der Plas studied art history at Utrecht University before embarking on a distinguished career in the cultural sector. Her past roles include founding and directing the Gate Foundation, serving as the inaugural director of the Prince Claus Fund, and leading Premsela, the Netherlands Institute for Design and Fashion. Prior to joining the Allard Pierson, she was the general director of the National Opera & Ballet and, most recently, the managing director of the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht.
Upon her appointment, van der Plas expressed enthusiasm for the broad scope of her new responsibilities, highlighting the Allard Pierson as an institution that uniquely combines arts, heritage, and scholarship – areas she has consistently integrated throughout her career. Gerard Nijsten welcomed her, noting her wide-ranging network in both national and international cultural spheres, as well as her proven ability to connect academic scholarship with tangible heritage and artistic expression, alongside her skill in motivating individuals.
Leadership with Extensive Cultural Experience
The addition of Els van der Plas as director marks a significant moment for the Allard Pierson Museum and its place within Amsterdam's rich cultural scene. Her distinguished career and deep understanding of linking scholarship with the arts and heritage are expected to strengthen the museum's mission to engage visitors with compelling exhibitions and stories from ancient civilizations and cultural history. Visitors can anticipate continued excellence and innovative approaches to showcasing the museum's extensive collections under her guidance.
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