Allard Pierson Museum Honors Jonnie and Thérèse Boer with Johannes van Dam Culinary Prize in Amsterdam
The Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam has announced Jonnie and Thérèse Boer as the recipients of the distinguished Johannes van Dam Prijs. This significant recognition, confirmed in March 2025, celebrates their profound and lasting contributions to Dutch gastronomy. The jury shared their decision with the Boers just weeks before Jonnie Boer's unexpected passing.
Jury chair Louise O. Fresco highlighted the couple's decades-long commitment to elevating Dutch cuisine to unprecedented levels. She praised their relentless creativity, distinctive approach, and their essential role as mentors and inspirations for countless individuals within the culinary world. Els van der Plas, Director of the Allard Pierson, further emphasized how Jonnie and Thérèse Boer have successfully brought Dutch cuisine to a global audience, securing their place in the nation's gastronomic history. This acknowledgment holds particular significance given the Allard Pierson's extensive collection on food history, which stands as the largest compilation of culinary heritage in the Netherlands.
The Johannes van Dam Prize: Celebrating Culinary Heritage
Now in its tenth edition, the Johannes van Dam Prijs was established in 2012 in tribute to the influential culinary journalist Johannes van Dam (1946-2013). The award is a collaborative effort between the Allard Pierson Museum and the Stichting Gastronomische Bibliotheek (SGB). Van Dam’s personal collection of cookbooks and his comprehensive archive have been thoughtfully entrusted to the Allard Pierson by the SGB.
Johannes van Dam was renowned for his far-reaching curiosity in gastronomy, sharing his insights and discoveries with a broad Dutch audience through his writings. This lifetime achievement award was created to continue his legacy and passion for culinary exploration. His substantial collection of cookbooks, which spans from the 17th to the 21st century, is a vital part of the Allard Pierson's holdings, reinforcing the museum's dedication to preserving and presenting culinary history.
This award not only honors the enduring impact of culinary innovators but also highlights the rich cultural heritage preserved at institutions like the Allard Pierson Museum. To delve deeper into Amsterdam's cultural scene and other significant sites, visit Musemap (musemap.art) where you can discover museums in Amsterdam or explore the city's cultural map.
