Our selection of new exhibitions not to miss in 2024 and 2025 in Holland

Enjoy some journeys through history and Art into Dutch museums (photo credit: Akkeringa Mending Nets in the Dunes by Johannes Evert Hendrik). Navigate here across the Netherlands, unveiling a series of captivating exhibitions for the coming year, spotlighting iconic figures in art, fashion and even global history. By AP

Mata Hari at the Fries Museum, a new permanent collection

The Fries Museum in Leeuwarden presents a new permanent collection dedicated to Mata Hari, an iconic figure in world history. Indeed, this Frisian-born Margaretha Zelle captivated hearts with her sensual dances and charisma before she was accused of espionage and executed in 1917. Then, this “The Lives of Mata Hari” exhibition opens on 9 December 2024, offering an intimate exploration of the many facets of her life, so to say mother, divorcee, dancer and spy. Therefore, those visitors would be able to discover unique objects, such as Mata Hari‘s authentic death certificate, along mementos from her children, and even a prayer book she carried on death row. Apart from those never-before-seen vestiges, as well including powder box and a cigarette pipe, this presentation, enriched by exhibits from the Frisian Historical and Literary Centre Tresoar and the Historical Centre Leeuwarden, aims to do justice to the complex legacy of this fascinating woman. More details here.

The royal family at the Stedelijk Museum Breda, a dive into the history of the Orange-Nassau family

The Stedelijk Museum Breda offers a new permanent exhibition about the Orange-Nassau royal family, offering a journey through three centuries of history. This “Nassaus of Breda” exhibition unveils the rise, prosperity and decline of Breda, marked by the influence of this Nassau family. For instance, visitors would be honored to discover how the wealth and power of this family shaped the city, and how their ideas continue to resonate in the modern Netherlands. The story begins with Johanna van Polanen, who at the age of 11 married Count Engelbert of Nassau, bringing wealth and influence to Breda. Thereafter, the city became a centre of power during the Eighty Years’ War, with William of Orange-Nassau fleeing Breda and leading the rebellion against Spain from afar. After the peace treaty of 1648, the city became part of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, cementing its historical importance. More details here.

Ceramic pioneers at the Prinsenhof Delft, innovation through times

The Prinsenhof Delft Museum celebrates the art of ceramics with the “Ceramic Pioneers” exhibition, open until 8th September 2024. This art installation juxtaposes historical masterpieces from the museum‘s collection with contemporary artworks, creating a fascinating dialogue between past and present. Therefore, visitors will discover how ceramic techniques have evolved and how modern artists are pushing the boundaries of this material. The museum, known for its collection of Delftware, highlights the innovation of the 17th-century potters who created the famous Delft Blue. This tradition of creativity continues today, with artists exploring contemporary themes, such as sustainability and diversity. A new acquisition, a pair of exuberant 18th-century soup tureens, is also on display, illustrating the richness of this artistic tradition. More details here.

Jean Arp at Beelden aan Zee, a step into nature

The Beelden aan Zee museum in The Hague is presenting the “Jean Arp – A Petrified Forest” exhibition until 15 December 2024. Therefore, Hans Arp, a pioneer of abstract sculpture, is known for his flowing organic forms that harmoniously blend with nature. His innovative use of plaster to create three-dimensional models is at the heart of his artistic process. Thus, Jean Arp often preferred to display his bronze sculptures outdoors, letting nature mark his inspiration. His studio, likened to an enchanted, petrified forest, was a space for the continuous exploration of forms. This exhibition offers visitors an insight into Jean Arp’s artistic philosophy and his commitment to merging art and nature. More details here.

The Hague School at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, a true rediscovery

The Kunstmuseum Den Haag celebrates the Hague School with “The Hague School in a Different Light” exhibition that runs until 1st September 2024. This artistic movement, founded in 1866, is represented by painters such as Anton Mauve and Jan Hendrik Weissenbruch. The exhibition explores why this group of artists, dominated the art market in the 19th century and continues to inspire generations of painters, including Van Gogh and Monet. Through six major themes, including feeling, spontaneity, light, poetry, the experience of nature and the changing landscapes, the exhibition highlights the enduring appeal of the Hague School. The remains of this movement are put into dialogue with contemporary artists, offering a fresh perspective on the legacy of these masters. More details here.

The Max Vorst collection exhibited at Beelden aan Zee

The “If Not Now, When?” collective exhibition at the Beelden aan Zee museum, is open until 8th September 2024, presents a selection of more than seventy sculptures and installations, from the collection of Max Vorst. This international exhibition highlights the evolution of contemporary sculpture in the 21st century, demonstrating the diversity and originality of this private collection. Admire a large selection of productions by renowned artists, like Lynda Benglis, Sarah Lucas, Donald Judd and Antony Gormley address different thematics, represented by the contemporary image of human forms, abstraction and rhythm. This exhibition offers an impressive overview of modern sculpture, while highlighting the importance of Max Vorst‘s collection in the contemporary art landscape. More details here.

George Hendrik Breitner resumed at Singer Laren

This year, Singer Laren presents a retrospective about George Hendrik Breitner, one of the greatest Dutch artists of the late 19th century, from 15th May to 8th September 2024. However Breitner, often referred to as the “Amsterdam Painter” and “Dutch Impressionist”, is highlighted through more than 70 canvases and artworks on paper. This exhibition, curated by Suzanne Veldink, explores Breitner‘s artistic qualities, his bold expression of feeling through colour and his characteristically strong writing. It also reveals a lesser-known side of the artist, his avant-garde female nudes. More details here.

Imagine True Colors at Kunstmuseum Den Haag

The “True Colors” exhibition at Kunstmuseum Den Haag, from 1st June to 29th September 2024, presents a selection of contemporary artworks, from the AkzoNobel Art Foundation in dialogue with the museum‘s collection. The themes of colour, space, the individual and society are explored through the artworks of over 60 artists. This unmissable exhibition highlights the connections between talented artists, such as Steven Aalders, Yael Bartana, and Donald Judd, and their predecessors in art history, notably embodied by Piet Mondrian and Bridget Riley. As far as we know, this “True Colors” delivery offers a rich and varied exploration of the use of colors in contemporary art, inviting visitors to rediscover these themes in a new light. More details here.

A tribute to female pioneers at Museum Arnhem

On top of that, the Museum Arnhem, in collaboration with the Saarland Museum and the Belvedere, presents “Radical – Women Artists and Modernism 1910-1950”, from 6 September to 5 January 2025. This exhibition pays tribute to 70 innovative female artists who made significant contributions to modernism. This installation explores how these artists responded to the social changes, followed by political upheavals and even technological innovations of their times. More details here.

Immerse yourself into the Mauritshuis, as a real dive into the past

Explore the “Curiosities” exhibition at the fancy Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, from 12 September 2024 to 5 January 2025, takes visitors back to the Royal Cabinet of Curiosities as it existed before 1875. This collection, consisting of ethnographic objects, but also antiques, weapons, porcelain, and other types of curiosities, offers a fascinating insight into the museum‘s history and lost collections. More details here.

Revisit Joan Miró at Beelden aan Zee, for a true exploration of forms

Beelden aan Zee presents an original exhibition, dedicated to Joan Miró, from 20 September 2024 to 2nd March 2025. Apparently, Joan Miró, known for his organic forms and vibrant colours, is highlighted there through a selection of his sculptures and three-dimensional artworks. This exhibition explores Joan Miró‘s unique visual vocabulary and his lasting influence on contemporary art. More details here.

More about Dior in The Hague (21 September – 26 January 2025)

The Kunstmuseum Den Haag is presenting a unique retrospective of the Christian Dior‘s fashion path. Tentatively titled “Dior, a new look”, the exhibition explores the heritage of the house of Dior, particularly between 1947 and 1957. The exhibition juxtaposes Dior’s original designs, with those of current artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri, highlighting the brand’s evolution and continuity. Ideal to admire his most illustrious costume jewelry, along fashion drawings, and iconic photographs, offering a new perspective on the world of the Dior legend. More details here.

Maarten van Heemskerck (28 September – 19 January 2025)

For the first time, a comprehensive retrospective of the reflexion of Maarten van Heemskerck will be presented in three museums, the Frans Hals Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar and the Teylers Museum. This exhibition highlights the prolific career of this master of the Dutch Renaissance, starring various artworks on loan from prestigious institutions, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery. More details here.

Find some FREEDOM! with Ary Scheffer and French Romanticism (19 October – 23 March 2025)

The Dordrechts Museum is dedicating a major exhibition to Ary Scheffer, a native of Dordrecht and a central figure in French Romanticism. The exhibition juxtaposes Scheffer‘s works with those of contemporaries, featuring Ingres, Géricault and Delacroix. This exhibition highlights the impact of political and social upheavals on the art of the period, with highlights from international collections, including an oil sketch of Géricault’s famous “Raft of the Medusa”. More details here.

Wu Zetian, the only Chinese empress (26 October – 25 May 2025)

The Princessehof Museum in Leeuwarden presents an exhibition dedicated to Wu Zetian, the only female empress in Chinese history. This exhibition, the first of its kind in Europe, traces Wu Zetian’s rise and reign during the Tang Dynasty. A good occasion to discover funerary objects, luxury jewellery and other precious artefacts, rarely exhibited outside China. More details here.

Admire the contrasts of Abdelkader Benchamma (16 November 2024 – 9 May 2025)

The Het Noord Brabants Museum will host this Autumn some artworks from the contemporary art player Abdelkader Benchamma. Known for his exploration of the concepts of emptiness and infinity, the painter Benchamma will then create a specific artwork for the museum, in addition to exhibiting of several of his existing pieces. More details here.

How Van Gogh came to Groningen (November 30 – May 5, 2025)

The Groninger Museum tells the story of Vincent van Gogh‘s first major exhibition in the northern Netherlands. In addition to Van Gogh‘s artworks, this exhibition features realizations by other influential artists, such as Jan Toorop and Johan Thorn Prikker, illustrating the introduction of modern art to the region. More details here.

Impressionism in Paris (February 15, 2025 – June 1, 2025)

The Kunstmuseum Den Haag will soon exhibit Impressionist masterpieces, centered on Paris scene. In collaboration with museums, such as the Alte Nationalgalerie and the Musée d’Orsay, the exhibition will highlight many artworks by Monet, Manet, Degas, and other great names of Impressionism current, celebrating the birth of this artistic movement. These exhibitions offer a fascinating dive into various artistic eras and styles, promising an enriching experience for all art and culture lovers. More details here.