Heerenveen Museum Belvédère
Fryslân
Museum Belvédère is a prominent museum located in Heerenveen, Friesland, dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Established through the vision of Thom Mercuur and his collaborators, the museum opened in 2004 and has since become a cultural beacon in the region. The building, designed by architect Eerde Schippers of Inbo, is notable for its elongated form and modern design, winning the BNA Building of the Year award in 2006. Situated within the Museumpark Landgoed Oranjewoud, the museum is integrated into a landscaped environment designed by Michael R. van Gessel, with the Prinsenwijk canal flowing beneath the building. Its collection emphasizes works by Frisian artists and their contemporaries, featuring styles such as realism, impressionism, expressionism, constructivism, and new figuration. Artists represented include Jan Mankes, Thijs Rinsema, Tames Oud, and others rarely exhibited elsewhere, making it a unique institution for regional art. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural activities, contributing to the cultural vitality of Heerenveen and Friesland.
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Tip: Museum Belvédère is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets or support the museum through its webshop to help sustain exhibitions and activities. The best time to visit is during special exhibitions or matinee events. Booking tickets in advance is recommended during popular exhibitions to avoid queues. The museum is accessible and located near Heerenveen's new residential area Skoatterwâld, with parking available.
Interesting facts
- •The museum building won the BNA Building of the Year award in 2006.
- •The Prinsenwijk canal runs underneath the museum building.
- •Museum Belvédère focuses on Frisian artists rarely shown in other public collections.
- •The museum was opened by Queen Beatrix in 2004.
- •A documentary titled 'De droom van Thom Mercuur' details the museum's creation.
History
Museum Belvédère was founded from the ambitions of Thom Mercuur, Sjoerd de Vries, and Boele Bregman, with Mercuur playing a pivotal role in realizing the museum's creation.
It officially opened on November 24, 2004, by Queen Beatrix.
The building was designed by Eerde Schippers and has won architectural acclaim.
The museum's establishment was chronicled in the documentary 'De droom van Thom Mercuur' aired in 2004.
It is named after the Belvédère in Oranjewoud and is part of a larger cultural estate that includes the surrounding park and landscape designed by Michael R.
van Gessel.
Place Guide
Main Building2004
The architecturally distinctive elongated museum building designed by Eerde Schippers, featuring modern design elements and integration with the surrounding landscape.
Museumpark Landgoed Oranjewoud
The landscaped park surrounding the museum, designed by landscape architect Michael R. van Gessel, combining modern landscape design with the historic Oranjewoud estate.
Permanent Collection
Focuses on works by Frisian artists and their contemporaries, showcasing styles such as realism, impressionism, expressionism, constructivism, and new figuration.
Contact
Phone: 0513 644 999
