RTV Utrecht: Armand Museum to Reopen in 2012

The Armando Museum will reopen in 2012 in the Elleboogkerk in Amersfoort. The museum received one million euros from the BankGiro Lottery yesterday and therefore expects to be able to begin reconstruction in October.

Since the fire, the Armando Museum has been temporarily housed in the Rietveldplantsoen in Amersfoort.

Reporter Ulrike Nagel was on the scene for U Vandaag when the donation was presented to the museum.

The RTV Utrecht news report, dated Friday, February 12, 2010, covers the current situation regarding the Armand Museum in Amersfoort, which was housed in the Elleboogkerk before it was struck by a devastating fire in October 2007.

Key Points of the Video

• The Fire: In October 2007, the Elleboogkerk in Amersfoort burned down. The fire destroyed the building and virtually all of the Armando Museum’s artworks that were stored there. Archival footage of the fire and the damage is shown.
• Rebuilding and Funds Needed: Immediately after the fire, the museum expressed its desire to rebuild quickly. €2.5 million was needed for the reconstruction and interior design.
• Major Donation: The news report covers an event (likely at the Museum Speelklok tot Pierement) where the BankGiro Lottery made a substantial contribution toward the reconstruction.
• The Donation: Yvonne Ploem of the Armando Museum receives a check for €1,000,000 (one million euros) for the reconstruction and interior design of the new museum.
• The Goal: The museum director confirms that, with this donation, €1.5 million is still needed to reach the total amount of €2.5 million. She expresses the hope that this major contribution will encourage other foundations, individuals, and companies to donate as well. The museum aims to return to the church where it was originally located.
• Vision for the Future: The reconstruction of the Elleboogkerk is planned. The title of the video suggests that the Armando Museum planned to reopen in 2012.

RTV Utrecht Reporter

Ulrike Nagel