Origins
Kijk Uit Attention is an iconic work in the sculpture garden of the Kröller-Müller Museum; a true work of experiential art. Krijn Giezen (1939–2011) created the work specifically for this location, at the request of former director Rudi Oxenaar. After a long realisation process, Kijk Uit Attention was unveiled in 2005. From the top of the 87-metre-high stairway, visitors can look out over the trees of De Hoge Veluwe National Park. The work is now considered the most important and best-known work of art by this artist.
Current condition
Less than a year after its unveiling, an accident occurred and the work had to be closed for safety reasons. The artwork was fitted with safety fencing and was once again open to the public in this modified condition.
Like all outdoor sculptures, Kijk Uit Attention is subject to the effects of the elements. In recent years, the work has been regularly maintained. In 2022, it was found that the physical condition of the work was so bad that it could no longer be safely accessed. The work was closed and has not been accessible to the public since then. Restoration work is needed to make Kijk Uit Attention accessible again. If nothing is done, the physical condition will deteriorate further and an even larger and more costly restoration will eventually be required.
Restoration
Kijk Uit Attention is a real visitors’ favourite and the Kröller-Müller Museum does not want to have to deprive its visitors of this unique experience. The museum’s desire is not only to restore the work but also to return it to its original state, so that it can be enjoyed as the artist intended.
Of course, visitors’ safety must also be ensured in the new situation.
Plan of action
The restoration will be carried out using the basralocus wood that the artist chose and found meaningful. The constructor of the work, the firm Lüning of Velp, conducted several inspections that have resulted in a plan of action for the long-term maintenance of the work.
A construction site will be set up with facilities. Several parts of the wooden staircase will be replaced. These include treads, stringers, risers and beams. The museum will prepare a comprehensive work specification that will allow the work to be awarded to a contractor. During the execution, quality inspections will be carried out with the contractor to ensure the quality of the work. After completion of the work, an acceptance document will be drawn up.
The aim is to carry out the repair work in May to July 2025, so that it can be accessible to the public again in August.