The Municipality and the Province of Groningen are making €1,2 million available for a rescue plan for the Groninger Museum. It is one of the city and province's most important attractions (166.000 visitors in 2024). According to an analysis by RTV Noord, the museum has been struggling with financial deficits for years, partly due to declining visitor numbers. Last year, a loss of €243.000 was incurred.
See also: Mismanagement drove Groninger Museum to the brink of the abyss – RTV Noord
There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. The Groninger Museum has presented its Transition Plan 2026 and 2027 to the Municipality and Province of Groningen, thereby taking an important step towards a clear artistic direction and a future-proof organization. In the coming years, the museum will work on further shaping the artistic direction, solid operational management, and calm and stability within the organization.
Financing transition plan
For the implementation of the transition plan, a one-off contribution of €1,2 million, spread over two years, has been requested. The Groninger Museum is pleased that the contribution for 2026 has been made available. A decision regarding 2027 will follow at a later date. The aforementioned contribution is provided in addition to the regular subsidy from both parties.
The transition plan has been reviewed by consultancy firm Berenschot, which assesses the chosen direction as promising and appropriate. The firm also highlights the importance of further concretization, prioritization, and financial substantiation. The museum will incorporate these recommendations into the further development of the plan.
Importance of city and regional museum
In a press release, the museum emphasizes that the museum's interests extend beyond the walls of the building: “With a history of more than 150 years, a leading collection, and an iconic building, the museum contributes to the cultural identity of Groningen. Moreover, as the largest crowd-puller among the museums in the province, it plays an important role in tourism, the economy, and the international profile of the region.”
Recent research by Atlas Research illustrates the economic impact of the museums in the Province of Groningen : “Collectively, the Groningen museums receive approximately 939 thousand visitors per year (Pretwerk editors: 17% for the Groninger Museum), half of whom are from the province and the other half from elsewhere in the country or from abroad. Tourist visitors from elsewhere in the Netherlands and from abroad spend an estimated 28 million euros during their visit, of which about a quarter is spent at the museums themselves and three-quarters at businesses in the surrounding area.”
Next steps
According to reports on RTV Noord, there has been mismanagement in recent years. The museum clearly wants to get the organization back on track and therefore states: “In the coming period, the museum will work constructively with the municipality and province on the further development and implementation of the transition plan, each in their own role. The Groninger Museum is confident that this joint effort will lead to a sustainable and future-proof organization. During the transition period, the museum will be led by Acting General Director Nynke Stellingsma and Artistic Director Roos Gortzak.”
More information: www.groningermuseum.nl