Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Set to Open Significant New International Sculpture Garden
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is preparing to unveil a major new public sculpture garden, generously funded by the Don Quixote Foundation. This new cultural space, named the Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden at the Rijksmuseum, aims to offer an international collection of sculptures within a refreshed green environment, significantly enhancing the city's artistic and natural landscape.
The initiative is made possible by an exceptional donation of 60 million euros from the Don Quixote Foundation, which will support the development of the site. The foundation is also contributing a substantial number of sculptures to the Rijksmuseum on long-term loan. This development is expected to provide a new dimension to modern sculpture's presence and significantly expand the museum's 20th-century art collection.
Femke Halsema, the Mayor of Amsterdam, remarked on the value this new space will bring to residents and visitors alike, highlighting the opportunity for enjoyment of both the art and the serene natural surroundings. Taco Dibbits, General Director of the Rijksmuseum, emphasized the historic significance of the donation for both the museum and modern sculpture.
A New Cultural Oasis in Amsterdam
Located just a short distance from the Rijksmuseum, near the intersection of Boerenwetering, Ruysdaelkade, and Stadhouderskade, the new sculpture garden will merge three existing pavilions and the Carel Willinkplantsoen. The pavilions, crafted in the distinctive Amsterdam School style, will be opened to the public for the first time, repurposed as exhibition spaces by the London-based firm Foster + Partners. The overall garden design is overseen by Belgian landscape architect Piet Blanckaert.
Visitors can anticipate encountering works by globally recognized artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Jean Arp, Roni Horn, and Henry Moore. The garden will also feature rotating temporary sculpture exhibitions.
Enhancing Biodiversity and Accessibility
Beyond its artistic offerings, the project places a strong emphasis on ecological enhancement. The design includes plans for additional trees and plants, with twenty-two new mature trees and a greater variety of native flowers expected to increase urban biodiversity.
The new sculpture garden is designed for public enjoyment with free daytime access. The main entrance will be situated on Stadhouderskade, with specific opening hours to be determined in collaboration with the municipality and local residents.
The Don Quixote Foundation has a long history of supporting the Rijksmuseum, including funding the annual sculpture exhibition in the Rijksmuseum Gardens since 2013, ensuring free admission. The foundation also provided an additional 12.5 million euros in 2023 for continued exhibitions and loaned significant works like the Anselmus de Boodt flora and fauna albums in 2017.
With the permit application already submitted, the new Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden at the Rijksmuseum is anticipated to welcome its first visitors in autumn 2026. For a visual preview of the planned garden, interested individuals can view artist impressions such as this aerial view.
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