Discover Benelux | The Ultimate Autumn & Winter Destination | Top Art & Culture Spots in the Netherlands
A combination of art and cultural heritage TEXT: XANDRA BOERSMA | PHOTOS: MUSEUM HELMOND
When approaching Museum Helmond, visitors will be rewarded with an impressive view from the very start, as the museum is partly housed in a 700-year-old castle. Inside, expect fascinating stories as well as outstanding exhibitions. Kasteel Helmond is the biggest castle in the Netherlands and visitors can learn about its fantastic heritage. “Recently, we have renewed the exhibition inside the castle,” says museum director Marianne Splint. “Now, you can read all about the families that used to live here. Every generation has its own stories and struggles, which are interesting for kids to learn about, as well as adults.” Splint explains that the castle is only one part of the museum and that the second part is Kunsthal Helmond, the art hall next door, with multiple art collections. “On the ground floor, we alternate between two exhibitions: one with a focus on modern art and the other one is themed ‘humans and work’.”
The second floor is for temporary shows. As of 16 October, there will be a remarkable display of Czech–French photographer Josef Koudelka’s work of industrial landscapes. “It really is quite impressive; his photos are over three metres wide. And Koudelka takes his time with photographs, something we’re not used to anymore in these days of fast-paced social media. It will be the first time his work is shown in the Netherlands.” Museum Helmond houses an ideal combination of modern art, cultural heritage and impressive displays. The perfect getaway for a day.
Web: www.museumhelmond.nl
Dutch expressionism at its best Monumental landscapes in all seasons, penetrating images and almost caricature faces. Once you have seen the paintings of Dutch artist Henk Chabot, you will recognise them instantly. And it is this that makes the Chabot Museum so well worth a visit. In Rotterdam, the city where Henk Chabot (1894-1949) lived since he was a child, lies an impressive building. A monumental villa from the Modern Movement period, designed by renowned Dutch architects Baas and Stokla in 1938. It houses the Chabot Museum, which is part of Museumpark. “A very special location,” confirms Jisca Bijlsma, director of the museum. “It’s very light and spacious, giving an immediate view of the green surroundings, like a living room.” To celebrate its 25th anniversary, as of 27 November, a special collection will be shown at the museum, dedicated to Chabot’s work of refugees and people in hiding during the Second World War. “Chabot always said: ‘I paint people, 48 | Issue 57 | September 2018
TEXT: XANDRA BOERSMA | PHOTOS: CHABOT MUSEUM
animals and polders’. Dutch landscapes and figures were his favourite motif. This collection is a great summary of his work.” Chabot’s most famous painting is of the Burning of Rotterdam right after the bombings in 1940. “Also a very impressive painting, created near the river Rotte with a bright red sky. Painted from his imagination, which makes it very powerful.” Bijlsma concludes with a suggestion for visitors interested in the special architecture: “We offer some very interesting experience tours in collaboration with various other organisations. Like a tour through the Chabot Museum and the UNESCO Van Nelle factory, also built in the
Chabot Museum Rotterdam. Photo: Jannes Linders
30s, by Brinkman & Van der Vlugt architects. And you can also learn more about the surrounding white villas in Museumpark.” Web: www.chabotmuseum.nl www.museumparkvillas.nl