The Stedelijk Museum has a sculpture garden again, now indoors - but do the stately statues still fit their vision?

A return to grandeur

One of the things that has been missing from the Stedelijk Museum since its renovation in 2012 is a sculpture garden. The museum's former sculpture garden, which was located on the roof of the building, was a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the art. However, the garden was closed in 2012 due to safety concerns. Then in 2021 the new garden opened, a lush, indoor oasis tucked away on the second floor of the museum.

A shift in focus

The new sculpture garden is a far cry from the old one. The old garden was a formal space, with neatly trimmed hedges and gravel paths. The new garden is more informal, with winding paths that lead visitors through a variety of different spaces. The garden is also home to a number of new sculptures, including works by contemporary artists such as Ai Weiwei and Jeff Koons.

A question of fit

The new sculpture garden has been praised for its beauty and its innovative design. However, some critics have questioned whether the garden fits with the museum's overall vision. The Stedelijk Museum is known for its collection of modern and contemporary art, and some critics have argued that the stately sculptures in the garden are out of place.

A matter of opinion

Whether or not the new sculpture garden fits with the museum's vision is a matter of opinion. Some visitors may enjoy the contrast between the modern art in the museum and the classical sculptures in the garden. Others may find that the two styles do not mesh well. Ultimately, it is up to each individual visitor to decide whether or not they enjoy the new sculpture garden. The Stedelijk Museum also provides more context on the history and curatorial vision behind the new sculpture garden on its website.