For a blind date with a work of art and romping in the sculpture garden, visit the Kröller-Müller Museum
When you think of a museum, you might think of a large building with a lot of emptiness where everyone walks around very quietly and stately. You can, but you don't have to if you choose the right museum. A favorite? It Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, because art, nature and architecture in one. More of a museum house than a museum, where everyone is welcome and art can be shared. And then we can immediately combine a visit with cycling through the Veluwe, an afternoon in Arnhem or (and?) a cup of coffee and cake at the new The Weaver Lodge. Burgers' Zoo is nearby and dare devils take the glass elevator in the Eusebius Church. In the middle of the country, so (semi) close to everyone. Great for a day, a whole weekend and of course especially during the day spring Break, because then you will of course make it a pleasant midweek in the Veluwe.
Even the absolute art novices among us have heard of a Mondriaan, a Monet, a Picasso and our own Van Gogh. Look, you can find them all at the Kröller-Müller Museum, conveniently together under one roof. It all started with Helene Müller (and who later married Anton Kröller – what's in a name) and the purchasing her first Van Gogh. More than 110 years later, the museum has more than 20.000 works and it must be said that the largest work of art is perhaps the building itself. Beautiful in its deceptive simplicity, the museum has intimate spaces and uses soft skylight. Add to that the unique location, right in the middle of the Veluwe, and you really have a great day out.
Left image of Wieneke Hofland; right image by Marjon Gemmeke.
Don't think that the Kröller-Müller Museum is only fun for a day of genteel culture with your friends. It's actually fun (more fun!) to go with your kids. Borrow the neighbor's kids or give a friend a day off. Anyway: take those kids to the museum and get to know art in a completely different and light-hearted way. For example, play the dice game together or read a book with the slightly smaller ones. The blind date with a work of art is really fun (yes, secretly you just fill it in for yourself, very curious) or play the digital child's game.
You can also do it with the kids the sculpture garden in. Don't stay neatly on the paths, but run across the grass, have a picnic, play hide and seek and climb on the works of art. We checked: this is allowed by some, as you can see here in the Jardin d'émail. Not your regular, boring museum, but a day full of running, playing, learning and exploring art, architecture and nature together.
Jardin d'émail is accessible from April 1 to November 1, but only if the surface of the work is completely dry. The work is also not accessible during or shortly after precipitation due to the risk of slippery conditions. Look here for more information. Image by Marjon Gemmeke.
Get ready for a day filled with only fun and tasty things if you organize a trip to the Kröller-Müller Museum. There is actually plenty to do in the museum itself: stroll, look, participate, listen to the audio tour, shop in the museum shop for not-so-average gifts. Walking and climbing in the sculpture garden, especially when the sun is shining. Don't forget to join us at Buitenrestaurant MJ. In the middle of the sculpture garden and with an unmuseum-ish menu. Think soto ajam, a spicy eggplant and Sichuan pepper sandwich or just delicious Dutch: home-made fries. With truffle mayo, that is.
Image by Valerie Spanjers
After the frolic and romp in the Kröller-Müller gardens, would you like to get some fresh air in the area? Then read our tips here for cozy forest houses, nice places to sleep, playgrounds and of course where you can get a hot chocolate and a croquette sandwich.
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The anticipation can begin via the collection finder on the Kröller-Müller Museum website, but seeing the works in real life is of course the most impressive. There is a gallery of honor for Vincent van Gogh (also with works by other artists) in the heart of the building. Here you will find the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world. It's not just Van Gogh Represent Yes, Mondriaan, Karel Appel and Jan Toorop can also be seen here.
Make a game with the kids to see how many different fruits and vegetables you can find in the paintings (hint: quite a lot!) or see what their favorite work of art is.
On to the Krüller-Möller Museum!
Image by Valerie Spanjers
