A new vision for an expansive sculpture garden adjacent to Amsterdam's renowned Rijksmuseum has been revealed, featuring a significant restoration project by the British architectural firm Foster + Partners. This ambitious undertaking will unify two current garden plots into a single, cohesive riverside landscape facing the museum's eastern facade.
Central to this development is the transformation of three existing brick structures, built in the distinct Amsterdam School architectural style. Foster + Partners will repurpose these pavilions into dynamic exhibition spaces. Complementing this architectural renewal, Belgian landscape architect Piet Blanckaert will craft the garden's design, which will serve as a permanent home for notable sculptures by celebrated artists including Alberto Giacometti, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, and Henry Moore.
This initiative, generously supported by a €60 million contribution from the Don Quixote Foundation, is anticipated to welcome visitors by the autumn of 2026. Once completed, the Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden will not only expand the museum's outdoor offerings but also create an accessible public realm, designed to host a rotating program of temporary sculpture displays, enriching the cultural experience for all.
The creation of this new sculpture garden at the Rijksmuseum is a testament to the enduring power of art and nature to inspire and connect communities. By revitalizing historical structures and integrating them with contemporary landscape design and world-class sculpture, the project champions accessibility to cultural heritage and fosters an environment where creativity and contemplation can flourish, reinforcing the museum's role as a vibrant public institution.