Museum Drachten

Nestled in the heart of Drachten, Museum Drachten, also known as Museum Dr8888, is a captivating destination for lovers of modern and contemporary art. This cultural gem is housed in a former Franciscan monastery, adding an intriguing historical layer to its vibrant artistic offerings. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply looking for an enriching experience, Museum Drachten promises to delight and inspire.

The History of Museum Drachten

The building that now hosts Museum Drachten has a storied past. Originally constructed as a Franciscan monastery in the early 20th century, it was designed by architect H.H. de Graaf in the style of the Delft School. The Franciscans, led by Overste Augustus de Hart, took residence on April 1, 1937, aiming to counteract the increasing secularization in Friesland as revealed by the 1930 census. However, by 1970, the focus on pastoral care among Catholics led to the monastery's closure.

The municipality of Smallingerland acquired the building and its gardens, transforming it into a town hall in 1972 under the guidance of the Drachten-based architectural firm Van Manen & Zwart. The building underwent another metamorphosis in 1994-1995, this time into a museum, thanks to the vision of architect Rein de Valk. On January 1, 1996, the museum officially moved from its historical location at Moleneind to the rejuvenated monastery at Museumplein.

Exhibitions and Collections

Museum Drachten is renowned for its dynamic exhibition program, featuring several temporary exhibitions each year. The museum's core collection highlights significant movements and styles in modern and contemporary art, such as Dada, De Stijl, Constructivism, and Expressionism. These works predominantly span the period from 1885 to 1965, with occasional forays into contemporary art.

The museum's collection boasts works by luminaries like Theo van Doesburg, Kurt Schwitters, Thijs Rinsema, H.N. Werkman, Ids Wiersma, Sierd Geertsma, Pier Pander, Sjoerd Hendrik de Roos, and Gerrit Benner. Additionally, it includes pieces from the artists' group Yn’e Line, featuring Jan Frearks van der Bij, Sjoerd Huizenga, Klaas Koopmans, Pier Feddema, and Jaap Rusticus, as well as the collective De Nachtboot, with members Mare van der Woude, Boele Bregman, David van Kampen, and Tseard Visser.

A highlight of the museum's collection is the Van Doesburg-Rinsema House, a reconstructed home designed by Theo van Doesburg. This house represents the first large-scale implementation of Van Doesburg's vision, seamlessly integrating art and architecture. Following extensive color and architectural research, the house has been meticulously restored to its original state and has been open to visitors since 2019.

Cultural Heritage

In addition to its artistic treasures, Museum Drachten houses a rich collection of cultural heritage artifacts. These include collections of silver, ancient chronicles and manuscripts, wooden school bags, and stained glass. The museum also features a fascinating array of archaeological finds from the prehistoric and Bronze Age periods. Notably, the largest funnel beaker ever found in the Netherlands and a medieval grave constructed from bricks from the Monastery of Smalle Ee are part of the museum's holdings.

The Library

The museum's library is a treasure trove of books on artists and art movements significant to the region. It also contains a cultural-historical collection with both antiquarian and contemporary works on the history of Drachten, Smallingerland, and Friesland. While the collection can be viewed on-site, visitors must make prior arrangements to access the library, as it currently doubles as an office space.

Visiting Museum Drachten is not just an exploration of art but a journey through history and culture. The museum's unique setting in a former monastery, combined with its diverse and rich collections, offers an experience that is both educational and inspiring. Whether you're drawn to the avant-garde works of De Stijl or the historical artifacts that tell the story of the region, Museum Drachten is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.