Rijksmuseum's Acclaimed 'Mission Masterpiece' Family Exhibition Concludes in Amsterdam and Travels Abroad
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam recently concluded its highly successful family exhibition, "Mission Masterpiece." After receiving exceptional visitor feedback during its run, the interactive experience is now set to travel, with its first transfer confirmed for the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA). This innovative exhibition, designed to engage children and families with art research, has also garnered interest from other European institutions.
An Unprecedented Success in Amsterdam
"Mission Masterpiece" concluded its tenure at the Rijksmuseum last weekend, leaving a remarkable legacy. The exhibition transformed six museum galleries into interactive laboratories where participants could explore artworks using scientific methods like microscopes, UV light, and X-ray scanners. Visitors investigated textile fibers, gemstones, paper, tree rings, and paint pigments. Since its opening in late July 2023, approximately 40,000 children and their family members participated, collectively awarding the exhibition an average rating of 9.1 – the highest ever received by a Rijksmuseum exhibition.
Engaging Visitors with Art Conservation
The exhibition's design aimed to demystify the work of museum professionals and spark curiosity in young minds. Children shared how the experience changed their perspective, making them ponder how objects were created and opening their eyes to careers in museum research. Parents also praised the concept, noting its accessibility for all ages, interactive elements, and ability to offer new insights into the museum's collection and operations. The experience highlighted the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in preserving and understanding masterpieces.
'Mission Masterpiece' Begins its International Journey
Marking a significant milestone, "Mission Masterpiece" is the first exhibition the Rijksmuseum specifically developed for children and families, created in collaboration with the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) will be the first institution to re-use the exhibition's concept, research tables, and materials. Their version, scheduled for spring and summer 2025, will adapt the experience to feature KMSKA’s own collection and research narratives, making it accessible to a new audience of schools and families in Flanders, Belgium. The Director of KMSKA, Carmen Willems, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the exhibition, emphasizing its alignment with their commitment to art research and making it accessible to families. Taco Dibbits, Director of the Rijksmuseum, noted how the exhibition effectively conveyed the enjoyment and multifaceted nature of collection research, encouraging visitors to view museum objects differently.
For those interested in discovering more about the Rijksmuseum and other cultural highlights in the city, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a detailed guide. Explore other museums in Amsterdam or see what's currently on display throughout the city.
