The Fries Museum in Leeuwarden is facing a difficult decision: relocate or face closure. Following a budget cut of €300,000 by the province, the institution is struggling to cover essential expenses, prompting discussions about potentially moving from its current home at Wilhelminaplein.
“To put it in simple terms,” museum director Kris Callens told broadcaster Omrop Fryslân, “we are in a situation where we can no longer afford our mortgage and the upkeep of our building.” This financial strain has left the museum with no choice but to seriously consider relocation.
The province’s budget cuts have disproportionately impacted the Fries Museum, as the funds targeted for reduction were not intended for exhibitions but rather for essential services such as security and building maintenance. This has created a significant challenge for the museum, as it relies heavily on provincial funding.
Fair share or fat cat? Fries Museum funding sparks debate
The decision to cut funding for the Fries Museum has faced criticism from various political factions. However, some parties, including BBB and CDA, argue that the museum receives a disproportionately high subsidy per visitor compared to smaller museums, leading to an imbalance in funding distribution.
Despite these challenges, Callens assures the public that the museum will not make any hasty decisions. “We will not rush into anything,” he says. “The continuity of our museum is paramount, but we will be conducting thorough financial analyses and carefully evaluating the consequences of any potential relocation.”
