Richard Long in the Rijksmuseum Gardens

Walk along the lines

Richard Long has made eight works for the Rijksmuseum, six of which are new. The natural growth of the grass increases the contrast in the summer months. Over time, the works of art disappear again as they are absorbed into the environment.

Photos and texts then remain the only tangible memories of this work. With this work for the Rijksmuseum, Long returns to how his career began over 50 years ago. In 1967 he made his breakthrough with A line made by Walking: a straight line in tall grass created by walking repeatedly.

Stone sculptures

In addition to the works in the grass, Long has made two monumental stone sculptures for the Rijksmuseum. They are made from boulders from the River Maas that were transported to the mouth of the North Sea. In the Voorhal, a long river of red Indian stone can be seen across Cuypers' floor mosaic. A circle of coloured stones can be found in the heart of the atrium.

Tours and accessibility

You can visit the Rijksmuseum Gardens for free. If you want to visit works inside the museum you have to buy a separate ticket.

From 1 July, there will be an English language tour. Every first Friday of the month, there are guided tours for blind and partially sighted visitors, where you can touch the works of art.