Situated in the charming town of Maassluis in the Dutch province of South Holland, the Gemeentemuseum Maassluis, also known locally as Museum Maassluis, is a treasure trove of regional history and modern art. This delightful museum offers visitors a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of Maassluis while enjoying an impressive collection of contemporary artworks.
The origins of Gemeentemuseum Maassluis can be traced back to the early 20th century when the then-mayor Dommisse initiated the collection of historical artifacts. These items were initially stored next to the town hall on Hoogstraat 3 and were not accessible to the public. The museum officially opened its doors on June 1, 1933, as the 'Maassluissche oudheidskamer' on the attic floor of the old town hall at Hoogstraat 1. The first custodian, J. Dammer, dedicated much effort to expanding the collection, which grew to around 700 items by 1937.
During World War II, the museum had to temporarily vacate its premises due to the bombing of Maassluis in 1943. The collection was stored in the Minister Visserschool, and the museum later moved to the ground floor of the old town hall. Despite financial challenges and a lack of subsidies, the museum persevered, with the support of the Friends of the Museum Maassluis association, established in 1968 to promote and support its activities.
In 1965, the museum relocated to a new building on Zuiddijk due to space constraints at the old location. The new site, which primarily showcased the history of Maassluis and its fishing industry, officially opened in 1967. The museum expanded further in 1985 by connecting to an adjacent historic building, creating a new entrance and additional exhibition space. This period also saw a growing focus on education and outreach, with more frequent temporary exhibitions.
In 2010, budget cuts prompted the municipal government to consider reducing funding for the museum. A working group proposed a plan to keep the museum operational with increased volunteer involvement and reduced municipal contributions. By the end of 2012, a foundation was established to take over the museum's management, and on November 14, 2013, the museum officially became independent. The number of permanent staff was reduced from eight to two, marking a new era for the institution.
The Gemeentemuseum Maassluis is housed in two interconnected buildings, with Zuiddijk 16, built in 1883, listed as a municipal monument. In November 2013, the museum closed for a significant renovation, reopening on May 24, 2014. The entrance was redesigned to resemble a 'lantern,' making the museum a prominent feature in the townscape both day and night. The Dijkzaal was refurbished using natural materials like hardstone and wood, and improvements were made to climate control, lighting, and visitor amenities, including a kitchen and coffee area. The museum's garden also received a makeover, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The museum boasts four distinct exhibition spaces:
In the sculpture garden, visitors can admire various sculptures, including Energie by Jan de Winter.
The heart of Gemeentemuseum Maassluis lies in its historical collection, which offers insights into the town's development over the centuries. The collection includes communion bowls, glassware, traditional clothing, mourning jewelry, and ship models. Items related to fishing, towing, and now-defunct local professions are also on display, along with old paintings, prints, books, and postcards created by or featuring Maassluis.
The museum's modern art collection began in 1970 with a significant donation of forty artworks from a couple in Delft, including pieces by Jan van Heel and Charles Eyck. The collection focuses primarily on figurative art, featuring works by artists born around 1900 who continued to paint figuratively despite the rise of abstract art. Notable contributors include Henk Fortuin and members of the Maassluise Kunstenaars association. The collection also includes works by regional and international artists, with notable abstract pieces by Jaap Nanninga, Sierk Schröder, Kees Verwey, and Piet Ouborg.
The historical collection provides a glimpse into Maassluis's past, with items such as objects from the former Maassluis synagogue, which were added to the collection in 1947. These artifacts, initially transferred to the Rotterdam synagogue after the Maassluis synagogue closed in 1933, were donated to the museum after World War II.
Gemeentemuseum Maassluis is not just a repository of artifacts and artworks; it is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the history and artistic achievements of Maassluis and its people. Whether you are a history enthusiast or an art lover, a visit to this museum promises to be an enriching and enjoyable experience.
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