Latest News from Amsterdam's Museums

Naturalis Museum is mourning the sudden death of its director, Marjolein van Breemen, over the weekend. The museum has lowered its flag to half-mast in her honor.

Van Breemen, 47, was a highly respected figure in the museum and science center community. Naturalis described her as "a highly valued, knowledgeable colleague and a wonderful person. Always full of energy and ideas. Sparkling, empathetic and sociable."

In addition to her work at Naturalis, Van Breemen was also involved in her local community. In 2023, she and two neighbors invested in a café near Noordermarkt in Amsterdam's Jordaan district, demonstrating her commitment to keeping neighborhoods livable and vibrant.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has received a major donation of €60 million from the Don Quixote foundation, established by billionaire Rolly van Rappard, co-founder of venture capital company CVC. This substantial contribution comes on top of an earlier €12.5 million gift from the foundation in May 2023.

The funding will be used to transform the green spaces opposite the museum into a new sculpture garden, scheduled to open later this year. The garden project itself will cost approximately €10 million, with the remainder being invested to support other museum activities.

London-based architects Foster + Partners will transform the existing three Amsterdamse Stijl pavilions into exhibition spaces, while Belgian landscape architect Piet Blanckaert will design the garden itself. The sculpture garden will feature works by renowned international artists including Alberto Giacometti, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Jean Arp, Roni Horn, and Henry Moore. Van Rappard is also providing part of his collection of 20th century sculptures on long-term loan to the museum.

The garden will be free to the public, offering Amsterdammers a peaceful space to enjoy both nature and art. Museum director Dibbits described it as "a wonderful gift to Amsterdammers where everyone can enjoy nature and art in peace."

The Rijksmuseum has unveiled plans for a major new exhibition focusing on the Dutch Golden Age, featuring rare works from private collections and international museums. The exhibition will open in spring 2025 and run through the summer.

Visitors can expect to see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters alongside newly discovered works. Special guided tours will be available to provide deeper insights into this pivotal period in Dutch art history.

Starting in June 2025, the Van Gogh Museum will extend its opening hours to accommodate increased visitor demand during the peak summer season. The museum will now be open until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

This change allows visitors more flexibility to explore Van Gogh's extensive collection, including the world's largest collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters. Evening visits offer a unique atmosphere to experience his works.

The Anne Frank House has introduced a new educational program designed to help visitors better understand the historical context of Anne Frank's diary and the Holocaust. The program includes interactive exhibits and guided tours.

This initiative aims to ensure that future generations continue to learn from this important chapter in history. The program is available in multiple languages and includes special sessions for school groups.

The Stedelijk Museum has announced a groundbreaking new contemporary art installation that will transform one of its main galleries. The installation explores themes of digital culture and modern society.

Created by an internationally renowned artist, this immersive experience will be on display for six months, offering visitors a unique perspective on contemporary art and its role in today's world.

NEMO Science Museum has launched a new interactive exhibition focused on climate change and sustainability. The exhibition uses hands-on experiments and multimedia displays to explain complex environmental concepts.

Designed for visitors of all ages, this exhibition encourages active participation and learning. It's part of NEMO's commitment to making science accessible and relevant to everyday life.

The Mauritshuis in The Hague has revealed plans for a special exhibition featuring works by Johannes Vermeer, including the iconic "Girl with a Pearl Earring." The exhibition will bring together Vermeer's works from collections around the world.

This rare opportunity to see multiple Vermeer masterpieces in one location is expected to draw visitors from around the globe. Advanced booking is recommended for this highly anticipated exhibition.