ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Rijksmuseum Director Wim Pijbes Announces Departure for New Museum Project

institutional · 2026-04-20

Wim Pijbes will leave his role as director of the Rijksmuseum on August 1, 2016, after eight years leading the Amsterdam institution. His departure follows the completion of a major renovation and expansion project, which culminated in the museum's reopening in 2013. Pijbes described this period as fulfilling a cycle. He is set to begin work on the opening of Museum Voorlinden, a new contemporary art space located on the Dutch coast. The announcement was reported by the New York Times.

Key facts

  • Wim Pijbes is stepping down as director of the Rijksmuseum
  • He has been with the museum for eight years
  • His last day is August 1, 2016
  • He oversaw the renovation and expansion of the Rijksmuseum
  • The museum reopened in 2013 after renovations
  • Pijbes feels a cycle has been fulfilled
  • He will work on opening Museum Voorlinden
  • Museum Voorlinden is a new contemporary art space on the Dutch coast

Entities

Institutions

  • Rijksmuseum
  • Museum Voorlinden
  • New York Times

Locations

  • Amsterdam
  • Netherlands
  • Dutch coast

Sources