Discover 100 Years of Dutch Theatre History at Amsterdam's Allard Pierson Museum
The Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam is marking a significant milestone: a century of dedicated effort to preserve Dutch theatre heritage. This cultural institution, known for its extensive collections spanning archaeology and cultural history, celebrates the 100th anniversary of its theatre collection with a series of events, including a special exhibition, a new publication, and an academic symposium that explored the future of theatre archives.
The performing arts, by their very nature, are fleeting, making the preservation of their heritage particularly vital. What started as an initiative to bring together private collections, the Vereniging ‘Het Tooneelmuseum’ (Theatre Museum) was founded on February 28, 1925. After opening its doors on Herengracht in Amsterdam in 1959, the collection faced uncertainty when the Theatre Museum closed in 2012. Fortunately, the University of Amsterdam's collections, housed at the Allard Pierson, stepped in to safeguard this invaluable cultural treasure. Since then, the Dutch theatre collection has grown into an internationally recognized repository, encompassing over half a million objects that trace four centuries of Dutch dance and theatre history. From antique masks and intricate costumes to historical scripts, posters, photographs, and detailed theatre programs, it offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of performance.
Experience the Van Slingelandt Model Theatre
Among the highlights of the anniversary celebrations is the return of the 18th-century model theatre built for Baron van Slingelandt, now back on display for visitors since February 28. This intricate miniature theatre, complete with sliding scenery flats, was once a popular attraction at the former Theatre Museum on Herengracht. It served as an educational tool, demonstrating the mechanics of theatre productions. The scenery flats themselves were crafted by scenic artists from the former Amsterdam City Theatre, which later met a tragic end in a fire. The model features eight 18th-century and six 19th-century scenery flats, offering a unique glimpse into historical stagecraft. You can learn more about its display on the museum's website: Baron van Slingelandt’s model theatre.
A New Book Explores the Art of Collecting Theatre
To commemorate the anniversary, the book "Collecting Theatre" was published on February 28. This volume delves into the fascinating stories behind more than a hundred objects within the collection. Readers can discover items such as costumes worn by iconic performers like Josephine Baker, Jos Brink, and Freek de Jonge, alongside significant artworks like a large painting of dancers by Jan Sluijters from 1910. The publication details the collection's origins, its management, how it is utilized, and the ongoing efforts to acquire new pieces, ensuring that the legacy of Dutch theatre continues to be preserved for future generations.
In conjunction with these celebrations, the Allard Pierson, the Chair in Theatre Studies at the University of Amsterdam, and the TiN (Theatre in the Netherlands) Foundation also co-organized a symposium on February 27 and 28. This academic gathering focused on innovation and new insights in managing theatre archives, with the young theatre collective BLAUWDRUK creating a performance inspired by the collection's themes of preservation.
The Allard Pierson Museum continues its vital role in safeguarding and presenting cultural history, with its theatre collection serving as a testament to the enduring power of performance. To discover more cultural spots in Amsterdam and beyond, visit Musemap (musemap.art) or browse more museums in various cities. You can also explore cultural sites near you on our interactive map.
