KPN becomes new Founder of the Rijksmuseum
Publication date: 29 June 2026 - 11:42
KPN is to become the new Founder of the Rijksmuseum, the museum's leading corporate partner. As Founder, KPN will make a substantial contribution to the preservation of the Dutch national collection and the expansion of the museum’s digital accessibility worldwide.
As part of the collaboration, the exhibition wing of the Rijksmuseum will be named the KPN Wing. Through this significant step, KPN underlines its commitment to the importance of art and history for everyone.
We are delighted that KPN supports the Rijksmuseum in its mission to connect people, art and history. Together with KPN, we will enable even more people to enjoy the wonderful art in the Rijksmuseum. The fact that KPN is, at its heart, a Dutch company, with millions of people in the Netherlands connected to it, makes it a particularly good fit with the Rijksmuseum.
Taco Dibbits, General Director of the Rijksmuseum
KPN connects the Netherlands, and art has the power to move and connect people. As a Founder, together with the Rijksmuseum, we are investing in the best art experience, including digitally. From connectivity in the museum to new features in the app: this makes it increasingly easy for everyone to experience, share, and pass on art.
Joost Farwerck, CEO of KPN
KPN, the leading Dutch mobile and internet provider, has been the museum’s main partner since the reopening of the Rijksmuseum in 2013. Since then, the company has made a substantial financial contribution while also supporting the museum in the areas of connectivity and IT.
KPN was the digital partner of Operation Night Watch, the largest and most extensive research project ever conducted into Rembrandt’s most famous work. In addition, the company co-developed the Rijksmuseum app, through which millions of visitors continue to make free use of interactive multimedia tours. KPN was also involved in the development of Collection Online, the digital platform through which the collection can be accessed digitally, worldwide. This AI-driven database makes 800,000 artworks and 500,000 books digitally searchable for everyone in the world from a single central location. Later this year, 800 metres of archival documentation will be added.
In summer 2024, KPN donated the sculptures Signaal 1 and Signaal 2 by Dutch artist Carel Visser to the Rijksmuseum. These sculptures, which stood outside the headquarters of the former Postal Cheque and Giro Service (PTT) from the 1960s, are now on view in the Rijksmuseum gardens.
From 2001, Philips was associated with the Rijksmuseum in the role of Founder. The Rijksmuseum is pleased that Philips is continuing its relationship with the Rijksmuseum as a partner and continues to contribute to the significance of art and culture for society.
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