The director of the Nederlands Fotomuseum has been dismissed due to an “irreparable breach of trust,” following an internal investigation. The supervisory board made the decision after determining that the director “repeatedly withheld or misrepresented information” needed for their supervisory task.

The issues concerned the well-being of employees and the organizational culture. The dismissal comes shortly before the museum is scheduled to move into its new premises, with the opening planned for September 25.

The supervisory board had temporarily suspended the director, effective June 19, after receiving an initial complaint from an employee. This was followed by more negative reports from staff members regarding the director’s leadership.

De Volkskrant reported after the director’s temporary suspension about a “toxic work environment” and a “culture of fear” that allegedly arose after she became director in 2018. Concerns were also raised about high absenteeism and staff turnover, as well as the director’s new exhibition policy which was allegedly impacting visitor numbers.

The director denied the allegations. Initially, the supervisory board rejected these accusations in response to the investigation by De Volkskrant. However, they later withdrew their response entirely after receiving the first complaint.

The supervisory board’s decision to immediately dismiss the director after an internal investigation of almost a month is notable. Typically, an independent investigation is initiated in such cases to ensure impartiality, as the board is the director’s employer and therefore a party in the matter. The board apparently believes it has a strong enough legal case to forgo this step.

In a press release, the supervisory board stated that the new museum building will open “this fall.” It remains uncertain whether the original opening date of September 25 will be met.