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."
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