New directors appointed to Naturalis and Museum De Wieger

Two Dutch museums have announced new leadership appointments.

Demelza van der Maas has been named the new director of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, effective mid-October 2026. She succeeds Marjolein van Breemen, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Van der Maas, who holds a PhD in museum and heritage studies, transitions to the role from Heineken, where she spent over eleven years in management roles focusing on visitor organization, heritage, and strategic storytelling. Her goals at Naturalis include strengthening the connection between scientific research, museum collections, and the public, with a specific focus on biodiversity.

Josianne Bremmer will become the new director of Museum De Wieger in Deurne on October 1. She replaces Katjuscha Otte, who is moving to the Stedelijk Museum Zutphen and Museum Henriëtte Polak. Bremmer, who has experience with the Next Nature Museum and Dutch Design Foundation, aims to strengthen the museum's regional connection and ensure its future development by utilizing its historical building, collections, and gardens to reach a broader audience.