Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys Reopens in Haarlem with a Fresh Look and Interactive Experience
This autumn, a completely reimagined Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys in Haarlem opens its doors, inviting visitors to embark on an interactive journey to explore the intricacies of their own minds and those of others. Following an extensive renovation, the museum, housed in the historic former Pest-, Dol-, and Leprooshuis, promises a captivating experience focused on the wonder and versatility of the human spirit. The grand reopening to the public is set for November 25.
Director Hans Looijen emphasizes that with over 17 million collection pieces, this museum is truly about "all of us." The revamped space blends personal stories, surprising art, and a rich historical collection, navigating the intersections of care, art, and science.
Exploring the Mind: What to Expect on Your Visit to Haarlem's Museum
Upon entering through a new transparent facade designed by Verlaan & Bouwstra architects, guests are immediately drawn into "Resonance Room" by Studio Nick Verstand. This darkened installation aims to quiet the senses and connect visitors with their emotions, translating feelings into vibrations, audio, and projections for others to experience wordlessly. This innovative start sets the stage for a deeper exploration: What exactly is the mind? How can it be influenced, and how do we care for it? Through personal narratives, scientific insights, and existential questions, the museum encourages self-discovery and understanding of others.
The exhibits trace historical perspectives on the mind, featuring insights from classical thinkers like Aristotle, Freud, and Buddha, alongside contemporary voices such as physician-researcher Machteld Huber and author Idowu Kayenikan, who likens the mind to a muscle that strengthens with training.
Art, History, and Personal Journeys
Visitors will encounter compelling personal stories, including that of rapper and actor Willem de Bruin, who openly discusses his mental health journey and the role of music in his recovery. The museum also showcases powerful artworks, such as Yayoi Kusama's 'Entrance to heaven,' Tracy Emin's light installation 'Fantastic to feel beautiful again,' and Marc Quinn's poignant 'Emotional Detox.' The restored Zorgzaal (Care Ward) hosts its first temporary exhibition, featuring Marlene Dumas' impactful centerpiece, 'Maar wie ik ben gaat niemand wat aan' (But who I am is no one's business).
The historical core of the museum remains intact, with the original isolation cell as a key highlight. Other historical artifacts include a wooden leper's clapper, a 19th-century straitjacket, and a Rorschach inkblot test. The museum's presentation, designed by Kossmanndejong, seamlessly integrates a vast historical collection spanning 700 years of care history with contemporary art. Multimedia guides developed by IJsfontein provide interactive tours, offering critical questions and challenges to explore empathy and personality.
Visitor Routes and Facilities
The museum offers a diverse range of multimedia tours. The 'Open Geest Route,' narrated by actress Nazmiye Oral, broadens perspectives, while the 'Flow Slow Art Route' provides a more contemplative experience. Children aged 8 to 12 can enjoy their own route narrated by Willem de Bruin, and high school students can explore the 'De Bovenkamer' program, focusing on the adolescent brain. All routes are designed with current safety measures in mind.
The museum café, 'Thuys, inspired by Ron Blaauw,' is located in the beautifully restored chapel. This social enterprise, in collaboration with chef Ron Blaauw, creates reintegration opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. Additionally, the renovated Parkzaal and other versatile spaces are available for lectures, performances, workshops, debates, and various events, from business meetings to celebrations.
A Comprehensive Renovation and Unified Identity
The Dolhuys in Haarlem has undergone a significant transformation over the past eighteen months, including essential maintenance on the monumental building. The new entrance and reception area, designed by Verlaan & Bouwstra architects, enhance visitor flow, and the historic chapel has been meticulously redesigned.
The renovation coincides with a renaming initiative, consolidating the two museums operated by Stichting Het Dolhuys under the single name "Museum van de Geest." The Haarlem location is now known as Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys, while the Amsterdam location, featuring outsider art, is Museum van de Geest | Outsider Art in the Hermitage.
Museum van de Geest operates without government subsidies, relying on private funding and support from its 'Founding Fathers'—four psychiatric institutions that established the museum in 2002—and various partners and sponsors. The municipality of Haarlem supported the building's renovation.
This extensive overhaul aims to present a theme that is perpetually relevant: mental diversity and spiritual health. As director Hans Looijen articulates, the mission is for visitors to leave with an open mind and genuine curiosity about others.
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