News — Feb 15, 2011

On behalf of the Stedelijk Museum, Director Ann Goldstein has issued the following statement on response to the recent announcement by the City of Amsterdam of the bankruptcy of Midreth, the city-appointed construction company for the renovation of the Stedelijk Museum and the construction of its new annex:

"While this is a very sad situation and deeply challenging for so many directly affected, especially for the people losing their jobs, it is also a pivotal moment, and an opportunity. After years of construction and delays, this is the time to decisively and urgently prioritize the completion of the Stedelijk Museum and set an achievable date for its reopening. The City of Amsterdam, as the owner of the museum building and commissioner of the building project, is responsible for the delivery of a completed fully-functioning professional facility to the standards set forth in the planning.

A magnificent future for this museum is right on the horizon and we count on decisive steps and firm direction by the City to see this construction project properly brought to its conclusion. And in the meantime, the Stedelijk Museum is steadfast in its commitment to put a face to the world that is alive, active, anticipated, and driven by art and artists.

We greatly look forward to opening Temporary Stedelijk 2 to the public on March 3 in the beautifully renovated yet unfinished historic building, with exhibitions and programs drawn from the museum’s renowned collection of modern and contemporary art and design. We are committed to serving our core mission as an institution, and for the Stedelijk Museum, the future is now."

Ann Goldstein
Director Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam