The Hague, 27 October 2009
Mauritshuis Signs Heads of Agreement for Travelling Exhibition in 2012
The directors of the Mauritshuis signed a document this morning in Tokyo with the media company Asahi Shimbun in the presence of the Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science, Ronald Plasterk. The agreement concerns the intention to organise a travelling exhibition of major works of art from the Mauritshuis in 2012. It is anticipated that over forty works from the Hague will be exhibited in Tokyo and subsequently in Kobe. Amongst the works included are well-known paintings, such as the Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer and the late Self-Portrait by Rembrandt.
Mr. Kotaro Akiyama, CEO of Asahi Shimbun Company, and Director Emilie Gordenker of the Mauritshuis, sign the Heads of Agreement for a travelling exhibition in 2012.
Renovation of the Mauritshuis
The museum will tour a selection of its rich collection during the renovation of the historic building known as the Mauritshuis. This extensive renovation requires the closure of the museum for the public. There has been a steady interest in the Mauritshuis and the artist Johannes Vermeer in Japan for many years. The museum opted for an international travelling exhibition to Japan, as it wishes its collection to be accessible to a broad and engaged public. The museum also intends to exhibit part of its collection in The Hague during the period of closure, including well-known paintings such as the View of Delft by Johannes Vermeer and The Anatomical Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt van Rijn.
Master Plan Mauritshuis on the Plein
The renovation forms part of the master plan Mauritshuis on the Plein, which launched in 2008 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. The project comprises a substantial expansion of space available to the museum. The master plan Mauritshuis on the Plein is made possible thanks to an annual increase in subsidy from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the generous support of the BankGiro Lottery.
Minister Plasterk Present
Ronald Plasterk, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, was present at the signing. The minister is travelling to Singapore and Japan as the vice-chairman of the Innovation Platform. The main aim of the trip is to discover joint opportunities for sustainable economic recovery, but also has a cultural component.
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact:
Antia Wiersma and/or Patricia Grosfeld
Communication & Education Department, Mauritshuis
T +31 (0)70 302 3435
E pressoffice@mauritshuis.nl,
www.mauritshuis.nl
Image:
© The Asahi Shimbun Company
Caption:
Director Emilie Gordenker of the Mauritshuis and Kotaro Akiyama, CEO of Asahi Shimbun Company sign the heads of agreement for a travelling exhibition in 2012.