In the spring of 2025, a portion of the Van Abbemuseum will be temporarily closed due to essential work on the climate installation. These efforts will enhance the building’s sustainability and provide enhanced protection for the artworks. During this period, a selection of the 120 artworks currently on display in the collection presentation Delinking and relinking will require temporary relocation. To address this challenge, the museum has devised an innovative solution: a special pop-up exhibition showcasing the connection between art and climate, which will be available from March 8 to April 21.

In early March, artworks from the collection presentation Delinking and relinking will be moved from the collection building to the old building, this presents a logistical challenge. The artworks are currently displayed across five floors, while in the old building there is only one floor with three rooms available. Assistant curator Chala Itai Westerman collaborated with the collections and technical teams to engage with contemporary issues and create a unique exhibition. In Delinking and relinking reshuffled: material and climate, art and climate engage in a dialogue. Each room will feature at least 20 works displayed in a specialized depot-style arrangement. The presentation of these works prompts contemplation on the role of art in sustainability. Art transcends mere aesthetic appeal; it can serve as a catalyst for bridging pressing contemporary themes.

Which works are on show?

In Delinking and relinking reshuffled, the works are presented according to their material sensitivity to climate. The first room shows artworks that are most sensitive to climate fluctuations. These include El Lissitzky's drawings from the Proun series and photography by Rineke Dijkstra. In the second room, artworks of average fragility are exhibited. Think of the well-known Monochrome blue, sans titre (IKB 63) by Yves Klein and Otobong Nkanga's Scaffolding series. In the third room oil paintings, including famous works such as Pablo Picasso's Buste de femme, Charley Toorop's Volkslogement and Iris Kensmil's Angela Davis #2, will be shown.

Why change the climate system?

The museum's climate system plays an essential role in protecting the artworks from fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity. Climate control is necessary to keep artworks made of fragile materials such as wood, textiles, paper and paint in optimal condition. At the same time, it is a huge energy consumer within the cultural sector. By installing this new heat pump, the Van Abbemuseum is taking an important step towards sustainability.