Museum van de Geest Honored with European Museum of the Year Award 2022
Museum van de Geest, an institution dedicated to exploring the human mind, has been named the European Museum of the Year for 2022. This prestigious award recognizes innovative visions and outstanding quality within the European museum sector. The award ceremony took place at the Estonian National Museum in Tartu, organized by the European Museum Forum, an organization that has supported the development of European museums since 1977.
Acknowledged for Innovation in Exploring the Human Mind
The jury's commendation highlighted Museum van de Geest as a remarkable project that uniquely and innovatively delves into the complexities of the human psyche. They praised the institution for embodying the transformative power of museums in society, describing it as an inspiring and profoundly human-centered space.
This significant accolade was specifically awarded to the renovated Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys, which officially reopened in 2020 with a ceremony attended by Queen Máxima. Following an extensive refurbishment by Verlaan & Bouwstra architecten, the museum collaborated with Kossmanndejong to craft a new exhibition experience. Multimedia tours, developed by IJsfontein, guide visitors through personal narratives, historical objects, and artworks that prompt reflection on mental health and social inclusion. The museum's core mission is to foster open-mindedness and genuine curiosity about others, actively facilitating discussions on mental well-being through its art and cultural programs.
Experience the Vision: Haarlem and Amsterdam Locations
Visitors can engage with the museum's impactful vision across its two distinct locations. The award-winning main site, Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys, is situated in Haarlem. Housed within a historic building with over 700 years of care history, this location offers an interactive journey into understanding both one's own mind and the minds of others through personal stories, art, science, and historical artifacts.
For those interested in its presence in the Amsterdam area, Museum van de Geest also operates a permanent exhibition of Outsider Art. Located in a wing of the Hermitage building on the Amstel since 2016, this branch showcases works by artists who often exist on the fringes of the conventional art world and society. Their creations offer unfiltered glimpses into their inner worlds, unconcerned with external perceptions.
A Vision Supported by Many
Museum van de Geest operates as a privately funded institution, independent of government subsidies. Its foundation was established in 2002 by a group of 'Founding Fathers,' comprising four Mental Healthcare (GGZ) institutions: GGZ inGeest, GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord, Arkin, and Parnassia Groep. The museum also receives crucial financial and developmental support from various partners, funds, and sponsors, including cultural and intellectual disability care organizations. The municipality of Haarlem notably contributed to the restoration of its historic building.
The content of the renovated museum was developed in partnership with a diverse array of organizations, including Disability Studies in Nederland, Flow Magazine, Hersenstichting, and the Trimbos-instituut, among others. This collaborative approach underscores the museum's commitment to a rich and well-researched presentation. The institution proudly features works by numerous artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Tracey Emin, and Marc Quinn, whose contributions enrich the interactive displays.
The European Museum of the Year Award underscores Museum van de Geest's significant contribution to cultural discourse and its innovative approach to engaging the public with complex topics like mental health and inclusion. For more details on this inspiring institution and to discover other unique cultural experiences, explore Musemap (musemap.art) or find a museum near you or browse the map to find more cultural spots.
