Help us to build the new Boijmans 

Renovating for the future

Our monumental museum building turned out to be in such a poor condition that it could only be saved by a complete renovation: stripping it back to the bare stones and rebuilding it from scratch. It is an immense operation, which will take ten years to complete.

Although closing the museum is the last thing we want, it provides a unique opportunity to completely reconsider the building. To apply all the knowledge we have built up over 175 years about what makes a museum successful. And to conduct extensive research into new ways of experiencing art that will connect with generations to come. This allows us to develop a building that is truly equipped for the future, from its foundations to its environmental-control systems. To create an ideal environment for our collection and our visitors. One that actively contributes to enriching the city: sustainable and connecting.

Historical leap

Of course, we are not taking such a historical leap alone. We’re doing it together with the Municipality of Rotterdam. And, we hope, with the help of others. Because the municipality will ensure that the basic building is in good shape again. But only you can make the real changes possible. We are therefore looking for partners who want to invest in this progressive museum. Do you want to ensure that our world-class collection is shown at its best? To give even more children access to art? Do you want to help preserve a historic monument? Or help to put the Netherlands on the map as the innovative, artistic and enterprising country that it is? Whatever your personal dreams and motivations, we’d love to talk with you about how you can help us to enable a historic development that people will still be talking about 175 years from now.

‘We now have the opportunity to make our world-class collection even more accessible for everyone to enjoy.’ –  Sjarel Ex and Ina Klaassen, directors of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen 

A living tradition of private donors

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is a museum of collectors. Since its foundation, numerous individuals, foundations and institutions have provided financial support to enable new acquisitions. Our world-famous collection has also been expanded by gifts from successive generations of private collectors, from prominent collectors to many smaller donors. Some gifted a single work of art; others donated their entire collection.  

From the start, many private individuals, funds, foundations and institutions gave financial support not only for art purchases, but also for the construction of the Van der Steur building and recently Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Every step forward in the history of the museum is thanks to the support of concerned individuals. 

Collecting and sharing with as many people as possible still inspires us. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen also originated from this: the first publicly accessible art depot in the world. The same conviction means that we see the renewal and renovation of the imposing museum building as a unique opportunity to make the collections of such high quality more accessible to everyone. And broaden everyone's perspective. 

Investing in the imagination of future generations

Let’s be honest. Helping to realise this vision takes guts. We haven’t worked out every detail down to the last cent, but we have a proven track record with the new Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen and the renovated Van der Steur and Bodon buildings. That is worthy of your trust. Join us again or for the first time in our long tradition of giving and financial support that extends from bringing together a world-renowned collection to the brand-new Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Step on board. Next stop: the museum of the future.

Halfway to the Museum of the Future: Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has made a first and unique leap towards the museum of the future with the spectacular mirrored-glass Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world's first publicly accessible art-storage facility. Almost the entire collection (154,000 objects) is now accessible to the public in one place. The Depot has been positively embraced worldwide and embodies Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen’s unique tradition. The Depot was realised thanks to private contributions. As part of the fundraising, each of the building’s 1,664 mirrored cladding panels was adopted by local residents and companies and art lovers all over the world, who paid €1000 per panel and received a certificate as proof. They included many long-term supporters, but also many people who were contributing for the first time. 

An investment with impact: the museum of the future

We invite you to take this historical leap into the future with us in the heart of Rotterdam. Our goal is to raise at least €20 million to realise a new entrance and the future layout of the museum. That is only possible with your support. There are various ways you can contribute to the realisation of the museum building. Whatever your personal dreams and motivations, we’d love to talk with you about how you can help to enable a historic development that people will still be talking about 175 years from now. 

As we work towards the museum of the future, you have an exciting opportunity to help us make history. The museum will soon have a range of spectacular and highly visible spaces. We are offering you a unique opportunity to gain long-term recognition as donors by linking your name to one of these spaces.