Birgit Donker, the director of the Nederlands Fotomuseum (Netherlands Photo Museum), has been temporarily suspended by the supervisory board following a serious report from an employee. The announcement was made by Wanda van Kerkvoorden, chairwoman of the supervisory board, at a management team meeting on Thursday, June 19th. The suspension comes at a critical time for the museum, as it prepares to open its new location in Rotterdam in three months.

The report that led to Donker’s suspension is considered serious enough to warrant an investigation. The news has sent shockwaves through the Dutch photography world, where rumors of staff issues and dissatisfaction with Donker’s leadership have been circulating.

The Nederlands Fotomuseum holds a significant position in the Dutch art world as the treasury of national photography, housing the archives of 175 Dutch photographers and over 6.5 million objects. The museum is in the process of relocating to the former Santos warehouse in the Katendrecht district of Rotterdam.

While Donker has been credited with securing a significant expansion of exhibition space, more than doubling the government subsidy, and overseeing the relocation project, her management style has come under scrutiny.

Concerns have been raised regarding burnouts, high staff turnover, unfair dismissals, and disappointing visitor numbers. Sources indicate that Donker implemented forceful changes within the organization, citing a dire financial situation upon her arrival.

Her actions included dismissing two employees, and her treatment of staff is widely viewed negatively, resulting in loss of expertise and ongoing complaints. Questions are also being raised about her exhibition policy due to declining visitor numbers.