125 Masterpieces

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, May 30, 2011 -

- 23 June 2011 to 13 November 2011

The Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam is 125 years old. It has survived a wave of
criticism, completed a total renovation in a single year, recovered its
original grandeur, published eight catalogues within one year, mounted four
major exhibitions, and cooperated in international projects with Venice,
Beijing, Taichung and Taipei. It also has one of the best restaurants in the
Netherlands, has become a successful banquet caterer, and is well on its way
to complete financial independence, already generating 40% of its own
funding. In terms of business management, the Wereldmuseum is a pioneer in
the museum world.

125 Masterpieces

The museum has plenty of reasons to celebrate. To mark the anniversary,
collectors and connoisseurs of non-western art have selected the 125 most
beautiful works of art from the museum's collection for the exhibition '125
Masterpieces'. Beauty is the exhibition's keyword. In the hushed atmosphere
of soberly furnished rooms, where each masterpiece is displayed aesthetically
and on its own, all attention is drawn to the breathtaking refinement and the
powerful expression and vitality of works from Tibet, China, Japan, Oceania,
America, Africa and Indonesia. In the context of religion and spirituality,
these works are comparable to those of Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo in
western art. In terms of expression, they can be compared to Picasso, Max
Ernst and Roberto Matta. Only when the best products of a culture are shown,
is a claim of cultural authenticity justified.

Catalogue

The Wereldmuseum is also presenting the masterpieces in a five-part
catalogue: I. Restored to former glory; II. Tibet-China, Japan; III.
Indonesia & Islamic art; IV. Oceania; and V. Africa & America. Each part
contains text and photos that illustrate the texture and beauty of the
objects. The part called 'Restored to former glory' recounts the history and
development of the Wereldmuseum, which began as the Royal Yacht Club of
Prince Hendrik and has evolved into a progressive, contemporary museum with a
rich, historical art collection. The five-part catalogue was created in
collaboration with external art historians, collectors and connoisseurs.

Lectures and guided tours

Every Sunday visitors can join ongoing free guided tours of '125
Masterpieces'. The tours begin at 1 pm for children and at 3 pm for adults.
Various lectures have also been organized. The schedule of events can be
found at www.wereldmuseum.nl.

Masterpieces menu

A ticket to '125 Masterpieces' entitles a visitor to a 10% discount on
the Masterpieces Menu in the museum's Cafe-Winebar.

Opening times

Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.

Admission fees

Adults: EUR 12

Children under 12: free

Holders of a museumkaart or Rotterdampas: free

Persons in groups of at least 9 paying visitors: EUR 9

Address:

Wereldmuseum

Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam

+3110-2707172

info@wereldmuseum.nl

www.wereldmuseum.nl

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Note for editors:

On Tuesday, 21 June, at 11.30, a preview of '125 Masterpieces' will be
featured at a press conference. This will be followed by a lunch with a menu
inspired by the exhibition.

If you wish to attend this press conference, or if you would like more
information or pictorial material, please contact Annelies de Boer of the
Communication Department at +3110 - 2707157 or communicatie at wereldmuseum.nl.