Eindhoven city hall and ASML have signed a Letter of Intent setting out how the company will contribute to the development and operation of the planned Rijksmuseum Eindhoven. ASML intends to contribute 5 million euros a year for 20 years from the moment the museum opens, which is expected between 2032 and 2034. The arrangement gives the future museum a long-term source of money for its running costs.
What was agreed
It had already been agreed that ASML would be founding partner of Rijksmuseum Eindhoven, and the Letter of Intent now works out this role in more detail. For the period before the opening, the arrangements foresee a combination of a financial contribution and a contribution in knowledge and staff. How this will look exactly will be worked out in 2027. The municipality and ASML will set out the terms in a sponsorship agreement in 2027, in consultation with the Rijksmuseum.
| Phase | ASML contribution |
|---|---|
| Before opening | Money, knowledge and staff; details set in 2027 |
| From opening (expected 2032-2034) | 5 million euros a year for 20 years |
Finding more partners
The municipality has also agreed to make efforts to find more partners who can contribute to the museum’s operating costs. ASML will support the city in this by using its network. Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem said that for the growing city an attractive cultural offer is indispensable. For ASML, the founding partner role fits the organisation’s social objectives. Frank Heemskerk, head of Global Affairs & Community Engagement at ASML, said the company hopes the announcement will convince other partners to join. Rijksmuseum general director Taco Dibbits welcomed ASML for Eindhoven alongside KPN, which is founder of the Rijksmuseum.
Background
It was announced in December 2025 that a Rijksmuseum would come to Eindhoven, where residents and visitors will be able to see works from the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The Rijksmuseum and the municipality of Eindhoven are working together on the project. The museum is planned in a new park along the Dommel, a few minutes’ walk from Eindhoven Centraal station, at the start of the Kennedylaan. In spring 2027 the plans will be worked out further in a cooperation agreement between the municipality and the Rijksmuseum.