Retrench
Approximately 30 million euros are needed for the renovation of the Westfries Museum, of which almost 7 million euros still have to be raised. According to director Ad Geerdink, this missing amount is crucial, but he is confident that it will work out. “We are busy working on it, and the first pledges have already been received. Once we have received that amount, we can implement all the plans we have in mind. If we raise less money, we will have to adjust our plans.”
According to him, this means that the office space must be cut back. “That is an option we have. We are also looking at whether the foundation repair can be tackled in a different way. That looks hopeful and will result in significant savings.”
No cellars, but a garden pavilion
The museum will receive a new foundation, will be made more sustainable, renovated and more accessible. Originally, cellars were also going to be constructed as new exhibition spaces, but that plan was scrapped last year due to the high costs. Instead, there will be a garden pavilion for temporary exhibitions. “Otherwise the museum is not profitable, you need something like that, also to reach new target groups,” Geerdink explains. It is not known how much has already been raised.
The museum will close for two years from this summer for a thorough renovation. The museum should be reopened in mid-2027. According to Geerdink, visitors can expect beautiful new rooms and exhibitions.
Van Hoorn’s media partner was there this morning during the symbolic moment (text continues below the video):