Amsterdam's Dutch Resistance Museum Director Honored as Institution Marks 40 Years
Liesbeth van der Horst, a long-serving figure at the Dutch Resistance Museum, has been awarded the prestigious Andreaspenning by the City of Amsterdam. This recognition honors her dedicated service over thirty-six years, including twenty-two years as the museum's director. The award ceremony coincided with her departure from the museum and was part of the celebration marking the Dutch Resistance Museum's fortieth anniversary, held at the Rode Hoed.
Lotte Terwel, Amsterdam Centrum district administrator, presented the Andreaspenning to Ms. van der Horst. During the presentation, Ms. Terwel underscored the significant impact of Ms. van der Horst’s work on the city, highlighting its contribution to the historical awareness of Amsterdam residents and the broader societal importance of the Dutch Resistance Museum.
Celebrating Decades of Leadership and Vision
The celebratory evening paid extensive tribute to Liesbeth van der Horst’s tenure. Speakers, including Ronald Leopold, director of the Anne Frank Foundation, and Aik Meeuse, co-founder of the Dutch Resistance Museum, reflected on her pivotal role in the museum's development. They emphasized her commitment to fostering a nuanced and inclusive understanding of history. The program also featured musical and poetic contributions from Freek de Jonge and the band Abintu, presenting works that resonated with the museum's core themes.
Under Ms. van der Horst's leadership, the museum has grown significantly, evolving into an accessible institution that connects the narratives of World War II and the colonial past with contemporary questions. The museum has consistently broken visitor records, with nearly 120,000 people visiting in 2024. Through the Andreaspenning, the City of Amsterdam acknowledges her unwavering dedication and profound contributions to the cultural and social fabric of the city.
Liesbeth van der Horst is now commencing early retirement and is working on a biography about Gerrit van der Veen, an Amsterdam resistance fighter. Karlien Metz succeeded her as director in July 2025.
For those interested in exploring Amsterdam's rich cultural landscape, Musemap (musemap.art) provides a platform to discover more about local history and institutions like the Dutch Resistance Museum. You can browse other museums or search for unique cultural spots across the city.
