WASSENAAR.- In 2026, Voorlinden in Wassenaar celebrates its tenth anniversary. In that short time, the museum has grown into a beloved destination for modern and contemporary art, architecture and nature. The milestone will be marked with an impressively large anniversary exhibition, a striking solo exhibition by world-renowned choreographer William Forsythe, a new artwork on the estate, and a special art bookshop for art lovers.
To mark the anniversary, founder Joop van Caldenborgh and director Suzanne Swarts were photographed together beside Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich, one of Voorlinden’s iconic works. With his feet in the water, Van Caldenborgh speaks about his passion for sharing art. ‘There is nothing more wonderful than seeing other people light up in response to an artwork that moves you as well. For me, Voorlinden offers the opportunity to share art with as many people as possible.’ Suzanne Swarts adds: ‘Everything at Voorlinden is centred on creating the best possible experience of art. We truly see the museum as a place where you can be surprised, enjoy yourself, recharge, and return home filled with new impressions.’
Icons of Voorlinden
During the anniversary year, Voorlinden will present a special programme. On 6 June, a solo exhibition by the world-renowned choreographer William Forsythe will open, featuring his ‘choreographic objects’, in which the visitor’s experience and movement are central. On 12 September, the anniversary exhibition Celebrating the Icons of Art will follow, in which iconic works from the museum’s own collection enter into dialogue with masterpieces from the twentieth century. For this exhibition, landmark works will be borrowed from partner institutions and collections. Visitors will be able to see works by artists including Damien Hirst, Ron Mueck, Lucio Fontana, Louise Bourgeois, Francis Bacon, Roni Horn, Claude Monet, Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein, Tracey Emin, Pipilotti Rist, Lara Favaretto and David Hockney.
New: Outdoor Artwork and Art Bookshop
Inspired by the lush natural surroundings of Voorlinden, the Italian artist Giuseppe Penone – a friend of the museum who had a solo exhibition there in 2022 – has designed the outdoor sculpture Identity - Wild Grass that will be unveiled in the summer. In September, the museum will also open a special bookshop for art lovers and connoisseurs. Visitors can look forward to a carefully curated selection of limited-edition artist books, distinctive coffee-table books, exhibition catalogues and works of art on paper.
A Dream Realised
Voorlinden was founded ten years ago from the private art collection of Joop van Caldenborgh. He donated his collection of modern and contemporary art, the historic estate in Wassenaar and the museum building to the Voorlinden Foundation. He also established a supporting foundation to ensure the future of Voorlinden and the continued growth of the collection. Suzanne Swarts, who once started as an intern working on the art collection that would later become the basis of Voorlinden, has now been the museum’s director for ten years. With the ever-growing collection as the beating heart of Voorlinden, she has organised more than sixty exhibitions and collection presentations over the past decade. Today, Voorlinden has become an indispensable part of the Dutch museum landscape.
