Rijksmuseum to expand, bringing Dutch Masters south

The Rijksmuseum, home to the world's most extensive collection of Dutch Golden Age art, has announced plans for a significant expansion. A new 3,500 square meter center will be constructed in Eindhoven over the next six to eight years, aiming to enhance accessibility to its masterpieces for those in the southern Netherlands. This initiative seeks to share more of the museum's vast collection, which includes works by Vermeer and Rembrandt's The Night Watch.

The new outpost will be situated in parkland along the River Dommel, conveniently located near Eindhoven's central railway station. The project has garnered support from the Eindhoven city council and ASML, a local semiconductor machinery manufacturer. This collaboration underscores a commitment to enriching the region's cultural offerings and fostering artistic engagement.

This expansion follows a trend of major European museums establishing outposts to broaden their reach. The Rijksmuseum's move to Eindhoven, a major technology hub, aims to balance visitor numbers and reduce overtourism pressures in Amsterdam, while also providing a valuable new cultural destination for the Brabant region and beyond.