Get ready to be amazed! Foster + Partners is breathing new life into the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, with plans for a stunning sculpture garden that promises to be a feast for the eyes. Imagine a tranquil oasis, a place where art and nature intertwine seamlessly. This is the vision for the Don Quixote Pavilion and Garden, a project that's set to transform the museum's surroundings.
This exciting development will merge two existing gardens into a single, expansive riverside plot, directly facing the Rijksmuseum's eastern wing. The project's core involves the renovation of three existing brick pavilions, originally built in the distinctive Amsterdam School style. Foster + Partners, the renowned British architecture studio, will be leading this transformation, turning these pavilions into vibrant exhibition spaces.
But here's where it gets really exciting: the garden itself will be a masterpiece. Designed by the talented Belgian landscape architect Piet Blanckaert, it will feature sculptures by iconic artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, and Henry Moore. The Rijksmuseum itself has described the project as a merging of existing spaces to create a single sculpture garden, with the pavilions opening to the public for the first time.
The renderings showcase a lush, inviting space with winding walkways, inviting visitors to explore the sculptures. To enhance the natural beauty, 22 new trees will be added to the site. The pavilions, strategically positioned at the garden's southern end, will retain their original pitched volumes but will feature glazed openings to offer stunning views of the garden.
And this is the part most people miss: The project is made possible by a generous €60 million donation from the Don Quixote Foundation. The grand opening is anticipated in Autumn 2026. The garden will provide a publicly-accessible space and host temporary sculpture exhibitions, enriching the cultural landscape of Amsterdam.
What do you think? Will this new sculpture garden enhance the Rijksmuseum experience? Do you have a favorite artist whose work you hope to see featured? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's discuss!
