Quick Summary
- 1The Rijksmuseum is set to open a new sculpture garden dedicated to contemporary art in autumn 2026.
- 2The project is made possible by a substantial private donation of 60 million euros.
- 3The garden will feature significant works by renowned artists including Louise Bourgeois, Jean Arp, and Alberto Giacometti.
- 4This expansion represents a major enhancement to the museum's outdoor exhibition spaces.
A New Vision for the Outdoors
The Rijksmuseum is preparing to unveil a significant new addition to its historic grounds. In autumn 2026, the institution will open a dedicated sculpture garden, a project that marks a major expansion of its exhibition spaces into the open air.
This development is not merely a landscaping effort but a substantial cultural investment. The initiative is fueled entirely by a generous private donation, signaling a strong commitment to making contemporary art accessible within a unique, natural setting.
The Generous Donation
The driving force behind this ambitious project is a private donation of 60 million euros. This substantial financial contribution from a private patron enables the museum to realize a long-held vision for an outdoor contemporary art space.
The scale of this gift underscores the vital role of private philanthropy in supporting major cultural institutions. It allows the Rijksmuseum to move forward with a project that enhances its public offerings without diverting resources from its core collection and operations.
- 60 million euro donation from a private patron
- Funds the creation and installation of the sculpture garden
- Enables the acquisition and display of major contemporary works
Featured Artists & Works
The garden will serve as a permanent home for masterpieces of modern sculpture. The inaugural collection will prominently feature works by three titans of 20th-century art: Louise Bourgeois, Jean Arp, and Alberto Giacometti.
Each artist brings a distinct voice to the dialogue between art and nature. Their sculptures, known for their exploration of form, the human figure, and abstract expression, will be thoughtfully placed throughout the garden's landscape.
- Louise Bourgeois - Known for large-scale installations and spider sculptures
- Jean Arp - A pioneer of abstract biomorphic forms
- Alberto Giacometti - Celebrated for his slender, elongated figures
A Cultural Landmark
This new garden positions the Rijksmuseum at the forefront of integrating art with public space. It creates a new destination for visitors, offering an alternative way to experience world-class art away from the traditional gallery walls.
The project aligns with a broader trend of museums expanding their footprints into the outdoors, creating more dynamic and accessible cultural experiences. It promises to become a landmark for both Amsterdam and the international art world.
The garden will provide a unique dialogue between the masterpieces of the past housed inside the museum and the leading voices of contemporary sculpture outside.
Looking to 2026
The autumn 2026 opening is now a key date on the cultural calendar. As the project moves from concept to reality, anticipation will build for the reveal of how these iconic sculptures will be situated within the museum's grounds.
This initiative represents a forward-looking chapter for the institution. It reinforces the museum's relevance and commitment to evolving its offerings for future generations of art lovers.
Key Takeaways
The Rijksmuseum's forthcoming sculpture garden is a landmark project defined by three core elements: private philanthropy, world-class art, and public access. It demonstrates how a single generous gift can transform a cultural institution's landscape.
For visitors and the city of Amsterdam, the garden will offer a new and enriching way to engage with modern sculpture. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, whether indoors or out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sculpture garden at the Rijksmuseum is scheduled to open to the public in autumn 2026.
The entire project is funded by a private donation of 60 million euros from an anonymous patron.
The garden will showcase works by renowned contemporary artists Louise Bourgeois, Jean Arp, and Alberto Giacometti.
It marks a major expansion of the museum's exhibition spaces into the outdoors, creating a new destination for experiencing world-class sculpture in a natural setting.
