Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam Secures Major Funding for Outdoor Sculpture Series
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has announced a significant donation of €12.5 million from an anonymous private benefactor, marking the largest financial gift in the museum's history. This substantial contribution will ensure the continuation of the popular annual sculpture exhibitions held in the Rijksmuseum Gardens for the next decade.
A Decade of Free Public Art in the Rijksmuseum Gardens
This generous donation underscores a long-standing commitment from the benefactor, who has supported the garden sculpture series since its inception in 2013. The funding is set to be managed by a new foundation specifically dedicated to the Rijksmuseum Gardens.
Taco Dibbits, Director of the Rijksmuseum, expressed profound gratitude for the donation. He highlighted that it enables the museum to consistently showcase leading modern and contemporary art within the gardens, making it freely accessible for everyone to enjoy. Such sustained partnerships are vital for the Rijksmuseum, which relies on various partners, funds, and private benefactors for a third of its operational income.
Richard Long's Work Featured in 2023 Exhibition
The 2023 edition of the sculpture series, currently on view, features the acclaimed British artist Richard Long. Titled Richard Long in the Rijksmuseum Gardens, this anniversary exhibition runs from 26 May to 29 October 2023.
Richard Long, born in 1945, is renowned for his art that subtly interacts with landscapes, often inspired by his extensive walks. For the Rijksmuseum show, he has created eight works, with six of these being entirely new. Notably, four new grass installations in the gardens echo his early career, referencing his influential 1967 piece, A Line Made by Walking.
Enjoying Modern Art in a Historic Amsterdam Setting
The Rijksmuseum Gardens are celebrated as a freely accessible and highly frequented destination within Amsterdam's city center. Since 2013, the museum, in collaboration with Alfred Pacquement (former director of Centre Pompidou), has consistently presented outdoor sculpture exhibitions by modern and contemporary artists. Previous editions have featured works by notable figures such as Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Louise Bourgeois, among others.
The museum's ability to enrich its collections, conduct research, organize exceptional exhibitions, and develop educational programs has historically benefited greatly from private donations, bequests, government subsidies, and contributions from various partners. This latest gift continues that tradition, ensuring future cultural experiences for the public.
To discover more cultural experiences around Amsterdam, including other exhibitions and museums, visit Musemap (musemap.art). You can also explore current happenings by browsing what's on or finding more museums in Amsterdam.
