The municipality of Heerlen still has to find 15 million euros for the construction of the new Roman museum in the center. It should open its doors in 2025. That is half of the investment costs of 30 million euros.
That is half of the investment costs of 30 million euros.
Sponsorship
This is evident from an information letter from the municipal council to the municipal council. The municipality has already reserved just under 15 million for the new museum that will replace the current Thermenmuseum. The rest is intended to come from other governments such as the province, from regional, national or European funds and through sponsorship.
Optimistic
Alderman Jordy Clemens (SP) is optimistic. “We have agreed with the province to look for the remaining 15 million together. I am confident that we will succeed together,” said Clemens. He expects that the definitive design for the Roman museum can be presented around the summer, including the state of affairs regarding the finances.
National funds
The information letter to the council also states that it is currently being examined whether the privatization of the operation of the museum is a good idea. In such a set-up, for example, it is possible to claim national funds for the creation of exhibitions and to respond more effectively to the needs of the public.
Higher visitor numbers and better operating results
“This can help to profile the museum more strongly nationally and Euregional. And that in turn leads to higher visitor numbers and better exploitation results. In such a structure, the building and collection remain the property of the municipality,” explains alderman Clemens. The privatized museum organization will then receive a subsidy from the municipality.
catering industry
It also becomes clear from the information letter that there will be large catering facilities in the new museum, but a modest coffee bar. The reason is that such a largest set-up would require a substantial investment and would also form competition for the catering industry in the center. While it is precisely the intention that the catering industry will also benefit from the new Roman museum.
Also read: Design chosen for new Roman museum Heerlen