Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Deepens Focus on Women's Stories with CHANEL Partnership
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has announced a new partnership with CHANEL, supporting the ongoing "Women of the Rijksmuseum" research project. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the visibility of women within the museum’s collection and its various presentations, contributing to a more comprehensive historical perspective for visitors.
The new partnership, announced on March 8, 2023, will provide vital support, enabling the Rijksmuseum to expand its team by appointing additional researchers dedicated to uncovering and highlighting women's stories. Furthermore, CHANEL will help fund an annual symposium hosted at the museum and support future acquisitions of works by female artists, further diversifying the permanent collection.
Hendrikje Crebolder, director of Development & Media at the Rijksmuseum, expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that it brings the museum closer to its goal of permanently embedding women's narratives in the past, present, and future of its displays. Yana Peel, Global Head of Arts & Culture at CHANEL, highlighted the importance of increasing representation for women in the arts, aligning with CHANEL's commitment to empowering women.
Advancing Women's Visibility in the Rijksmuseum Collection
The "Women of the Rijksmuseum" research project originally launched on March 8, 2022. Its core mission is to integrate female narratives throughout the museum's collection and exhibition spaces, offering a more nuanced and complete historical picture for all who visit. A multidisciplinary team actively identifies and investigates female-centered stories within the Rijksmuseum's holdings, seeks out new acquisitions, and develops exhibitions that specifically highlight women's contributions.
Since its inception, the project has already seen the appointment of two dedicated researchers. The museum's permanent collection has been enriched with 17 new paintings and three sculptures by female artists. Visitors have also had the opportunity to experience several related exhibitions and presentations, including "Barbara Hepworth in the Rijksmuseum Gardens" and "Irma Boom: Art and Books." An exhibition titled "Women on Paper," featuring 70 significant works from the Rijksmuseum print room, was on view until May 30, 2023. Additionally, the museum established an annual "Women in the Museum" symposium to coincide with International Women's Day.
Recent Highlights and Acquisitions
The Rijksmuseum's collection continues to grow with significant additions that bring women's stories to the forefront. Recent acquisitions include Photogram of Leaves of a Tree (c. 1900-1910) by Bertha Evelyn Jaques, supported by Baker McKenzie, and Landscape with a Coalpit near Commentry (1861) by George Sand, made possible by the Otto van Noppen Fund / Rijksmuseum Fund. The museum also received Pietje – Girl Reading (c. 1898) by Suze Robertson on long-term loan from a private collection. The latest edition of The Rijksmuseum Bulletin, the museum's academic journal, is entirely dedicated to women within its collection.
This partnership and the ongoing "Women of the Rijksmuseum" project are made possible through the support of various funds and organizations, demonstrating a collective commitment to expanding historical representation.
To discover more about the Rijksmuseum's offerings and other cultural institutions in Amsterdam, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for current exhibitions and listings, or browse a wide range of museums in Amsterdam.
