Tribute Exhibition for Wim T. Schippers at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is hosting a special tribute to the late Wim T. Schippers, the multi-talented Dutch artist, actor, and wave-maker who recently passed away. From July 2 to July 19, the museum will display his final, unfinished creation, titled Wim is gone 1942–2026 (unfinished) (Wim is Weg 1942–2026 (onvoltooid)), which has been gifted to the institution in accordance with his wishes.
Schippers was a highly influential figure in the Dutch avant-garde, known for his playful disruption of artistic norms. This brief memorial exhibition offers locals and travelers a rare chance to bid farewell to one of the country's most distinctive creative minds.
What to See at the Wim T. Schippers Tribute in Amsterdam
Visitors heading to the museum during the exhibition's run will find the tribute situated in the ABNAMRO gallery, located directly near the entrance. The centerpiece of the space is Schippers' final piece, Wim is gone 1942–2026 (unfinished).
The artist described this work as a small table holding an array of ordinary items—including sand, bottlecaps, shells, and his own handprints and footprints—arranged around a fallen, paint-laden brush. The composition is preserved to look as though the artist simply stepped away mid-creation.
The title itself is a playful nod to a classic children's book of the same name from the Gouden Boekje series, for which Schippers once narrated the audio version. Alongside this final piece, a selection of other creations will be on display in the entryway gallery, and a book of condolences will be available for those who wish to share a personal message or memory.
Beyond the main entrance display, visitors can head up to the first floor. Here, a dedicated room within the permanent collection highlights four additional pieces by Schippers, giving a broader look at his eclectic style. Featured items on view across the museum include:
- Wim is gone 1942–2026 (unfinished) (Mixed media, 2026)
- Hoog zwik (Collage, 1960–61)
- Mnemosynum (Mixed media, 1966)
- The Lump (Mixed media, 1966)
- Composition with a Piece of Fabric (Mixed media, 1966)
- Television broadcasts including The Fred Haché Show (1972) and Van Oekel’s Disco Corner (1974–75)
A Lifelong Creative Connection
Schippers' relationship with the Stedelijk Museum spans more than six decades, beginning in 1959 when the museum's former director purchased several of his student drawings. Over the years, Schippers challenged traditional boundaries, co-authoring the "adynamic manifesto" in 1961 to advocate for the trivialization of art, and spearheading performance events as part of the international Fluxus movement.
Though his career branched successfully into television, theater, and voice acting, visual art remained a steady thread throughout his life. Today, the museum houses 65 of his works, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and installations, alongside over 20 of his film and television projects.
If you are planning to attend this short-run tribute or wish to explore more of the city's artistic landscape, Musemap (musemap.art) can help you plan your journey. You can use the platform to browse museums, discover ongoing exhibitions on the local map, or check out what's on in Amsterdam during your visit.
