National Maritime Museum Amsterdam Welcomes New Head of Audiences
The National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam has announced the appointment of Rapti Miedema as its new Head of Audiences. Her role will focus on enhancing visitor engagement and broadening the museum's reach within the community.
Miedema brings extensive experience from her previous position as Head of Heritage & Pilots at the Mondriaan Fund, where she was instrumental in developing grant programs designed to make heritage collections more accessible to a diverse public. Her professional background, spanning over two decades in the cultural sector, includes work at various festivals and museums. Her expertise encompasses audience engagement strategies, collection research, and fostering international collaborations, with a particular emphasis on innovation, co-creation, and digital transformation.
Commenting on her new role, Rapti Miedema expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunities at the National Maritime Museum. She highlighted the museum’s potential to connect a wide audience with universal themes through its maritime focus. Her vision includes expanding the museum's influence and impact by prioritizing visitors' diverse backgrounds and life experiences in its programming.
In this new capacity, Miedema plans to develop innovative programs that utilize the museum's collection as a foundation for dialogue and fostering connections. She aims to create an environment where a diverse audience can find both recognition and inspiration within the museum's walls.
Michael Huijser, the Director, shared his positive outlook on Miedema’s arrival, noting that her innovative approach to audience engagement aligns perfectly with the museum's goals. He emphasized that her deep understanding of heritage and her ability to connect with the public are invaluable assets, contributing to the museum's journey toward becoming more engaged and socially relevant.
For visitors interested in exploring more of Amsterdam's rich cultural scene, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a curated guide. You can discover other museums or explore the city’s cultural map to find more places that resonate with your interests.









