Margriet Schavemaker will become general director of Kunstmuseum Den Haag, Fotomuseum Den Haag, KM21 and Escher in Het Paleis as of 1st June. She succeeds Benno Tempel, who took over as director of the Kröller-Müller Museum at the end of last year. Ms Schavemaker is currently artistic director of the Amsterdam Museum and she is a special professor of ‘Media and Art in Museum Practice’ at the University of Amsterdam. Before that, she worked for many years as Manager Education, Interpretation and Publications and Curator at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
Jet de Ranitz, chairman of the Supervisory Board: “With Schavemaker, Kunstmuseum Den Haag strengthens and broadens its position as a leading museum for modern art, at a local, national and international level. Based on her extensive knowledge of modern art, she tells new stories that appeal to a wide range of people. She connects this with reflection on art practice from her chair at the University of Amsterdam. We have full confidence that the museum will break new ground under Schavemaker’s leadership and thus remain relevant, challenging and appealing for future generations.”
Paul Broekhoff, business director of Kunstmuseum Den Haag, is also looking forward to Schavemaker’s arrival: “As a hub in The Hague’s cultural field and the home of the municipal art collection, Kunstmuseum Den Haag strives for a deeper connection with the city and all its residents. . Our ambition extends beyond the museum walls. By actively seeking surprising collaborations with The Hague initiatives, we want to develop a new cultural offer. Programs that also appeal to those for whom a museum visit is not a given. I am convinced that we have found a good catalyst in Schavemaker to enter this new phase.”
Prof. Dr. Marieke de Goede, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Amsterdam: “As a special professor of Media and Art in Museum Practice, Margriet Schavemaker is highly appreciated within the faculty and beyond because of, among other things, the way in which she represents the academic and museum world. together and, for example, lets projects within the museum serve as a basis for her education. I look forward to our further collaboration and further deepening the collaboration with the Kunstmuseum The Hague.”
Margriet Schavemaker: “Kunstmuseum The Hague is one of the most iconic museums for modern and contemporary art in the world. I want to build on the signature of the museum where you can enjoy the incomparable building, the versatile top collections and appealing exhibitions of big names such as Paula Rego, Hilma Af Klint and Nicole Eisenman. At the same time, I want to investigate together with the team how the Art Museum, Photo Museum The Hague, KM21 and Escher in Het Paleis can grow into accessible and connecting places of reflection and in-depth on topics that are important in our society today.”
27th February 2024
Photo Anne Claire de Breij
