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Rijksmuseum closed indefinitely after being blockaded by climate protesters from the Extinction Rebellion (XR) organization. XR protesters, wearing yellow protective suits and masks, set off yellow smoke bombs outside the museum. Some protesters also chained themselves to the fence at the entrance, demanding that Rijksmuseum end its relationship with ING Group, its main sponsor and a Dutch multinational company.
Allegations against ING Group
According to XR’s claims, ING Group provides financial support to projects that contribute to climate change. An XR representative commented to news agency ANP, “It’s incomprehensible that the famous museum accepts financial support from ING, which is the main financial driver of the climate crisis.” They added that the museum is enabling a “major polluter” to “hide behind famous artworks from Dutch history.”
Rijksmuseum Closes Indefinitely
The museum stated that the closure was to protect visitors, staff, and artworks, saying to ANP, “Any action that jeopardizes these is unacceptable.” They announced an indefinite closure “until further notice.”
Police officers arrested 33 XR protesters who had chained themselves to the fence and moved them to another location. A police spokesperson said that the protesters were given the opportunity to demonstrate at Museumplein, Amsterdam’s largest square, but they refused the offer.
Response from ING Group
There is a report that ING Group responded briefly to this incident by inviting XR to contact the bank directly, stating, “We’re always open to dialogue and discussion.”
Context of Climate Protests in Museums
In recent years, museums and artworks around the world have become targets for environmental protesters, leading many institutions to increase security measures to protect visitors, museum personnel, and artworks worldwide.
Story by: Tae Art Man
Image: XR’s X account
