Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam Honors Culinary Visionaries with 2026 Johannes van Dam Prize
The Allard Pierson Museum, a prominent cultural institution in Amsterdam and the heritage collection of the University of Amsterdam, has announced Jonnie and Thérèse Boer as the recipients of the 2026 Johannes van Dam Prize. This prestigious award celebrates outstanding contributions to the advancement of gastronomic knowledge. The decision to honor the acclaimed culinary couple was made in March 2025, just weeks before Jonnie Boer’s unexpected passing in April 2025.
Jury Chair Louise O. Fresco highlighted the couple's profound impact, stating that Jonnie and Thérèse Boer have consistently elevated Dutch gastronomy to exceptional levels through their creativity, authenticity, and ability to inspire. Director Els van der Plas further emphasized their role in globally recognizing Dutch cuisine and becoming integral to the Netherlands' gastronomic legacy. The Allard Pierson, housing the nation's largest collection of culinary heritage, naturally recognizes such a significant commitment through this award, also praising their dedication to mentoring new generations in the culinary and hospitality fields.
Celebrating a Legacy of Gastronomic Excellence
Jonnie and Thérèse Boer began their journey with De Librije in 1993, with Jonnie leading the kitchen as executive chef and Thérèse excelling as hostess and sommelier. Their dedication swiftly brought recognition, earning their first Michelin star shortly after, followed by a second in 1999, making Jonnie the youngest two-star chef in the Netherlands at the time. De Librije achieved its third Michelin star in 2004 and holds the distinction of being the longest-serving restaurant to maintain this coveted three-star status. Through their visionary work, the Boers transformed De Librije into an internationally renowned establishment, also fostering the next generation of talent, including head chef Nelson Tanate and Isabelle Boer.
The Johannes van Dam Prize itself is named after the influential food journalist Johannes van Dam (1946-2013) and has been awarded since 2012, with this being its tenth edition. It is a joint initiative of the Allard Pierson and the Stichting Gastronomische Bibliotheek (SGB). Van Dam's extensive collection of cookbooks and archives, spanning from the 17th to the 21st centuries, is housed at the Allard Pierson, on loan from the SGB. This collection serves as a rich resource for understanding food culture and its evolution.
Attend the Award Ceremony in Amsterdam
The formal award ceremony is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. It will take place at the Auditorium of the University of Amsterdam, located at Singel 411 in Amsterdam. This event provides an opportunity to acknowledge the Boers' enduring influence on Dutch and international culinary arts.
The Allard Pierson is committed to collecting, managing, and making cultural heritage accessible to foster science and society. Through initiatives like the Johannes van Dam Prize, the museum continues to engage with significant cultural movements, including the vibrant world of gastronomy, right from the historical heart of Amsterdam.
To discover more about cultural events and institutions in the city, you can explore museums in Amsterdam or browse other fascinating cultural spots available on Musemap (musemap.art).
