Rijksmuseum reveals plans for a new sculpture garden

The Rijksmuseum will create a public sculpture garden funded by a €60 million donation from the Don Quixote Foundation, which is also loaning works for display. The museum has submitted a permit application and expects to open the garden in autumn.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has announced plans for a new public sculpture garden after receiving a €60 million donation from the Don Quixote Foundation. The outdoor site will be called the Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden and will include three pavilions to display modern sculptures and temporary exhibitions. Belgian landscape architect Piet Blanckaert will design the garden, while Foster + Partners will adapt the pavilions. The museum has submitted a permit application and says the garden will be free to visit. Key details: - The Don Quixote Foundation is donating €60 million and is loaning a large number of sculptures to the Rijksmuseum. - The garden will be named the Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden and will include three pavilions for permanent and temporary sculpture displays. - Works by artists mentioned for display include Alberto Giacometti, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Jean Arp, Roni Horn and Henry Moore. - Piet Blanckaert will design the landscape and Foster + Partners will convert the pavilions into exhibition spaces. - The project will add 22 mature trees and a wider variety of native plants to increase biodiversity. - A permit application has been submitted and the museum expects to open the garden in autumn. Summary: The donation is presented by the museum as a significant enhancement to its modern sculpture holdings and as a public green space in the city. The permit application is under way and the Rijksmuseum expects the new sculpture garden to open in autumn.