Museum de Fundatie, located in the heart of Zwolle, is a cultural gem that beautifully blends art, history, and modernity. This striking museum is renowned for its impressive collection of fine art, ranging from Old Masters to contemporary works, housed in a building that is itself a work of art. The museum’s story is as fascinating as the masterpieces it contains, with a rich history that reflects the evolution of art and culture in the Netherlands.
The origins of Museum de Fundatie date back to 1958 when it was founded by Dirk Hannema, a passionate art collector and former director of the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam. Hannema’s vision was to create a museum that would celebrate the diversity of artistic expression, and he dedicated his life to amassing a remarkable collection of artworks. Over the years, the museum has grown significantly, both in size and reputation, becoming a key cultural institution in the Netherlands.
The building itself is an architectural marvel, combining the neoclassical elegance of the original 19th-century courthouse with a futuristic, elliptical structure known as “The Eye,” added during a major renovation in 2013. This bold addition, designed by Hubert-Jan Henket, has become an iconic symbol of the museum, providing stunning views of Zwolle from its panoramic windows. Inside, visitors can explore a diverse array of exhibitions, from classic Dutch Golden Age paintings to avant-garde contemporary art.
Recently, the team from Accessible Travel Netherlands visited Museum de Fundatie to evaluate its accessibility and ensure that all visitors can fully enjoy this artistic experience. In this report, we’ll share our findings on the museum’s accessibility features, providing insights for those planning a visit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for an inspiring cultural outing, Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle offers a unique and enriching experience—now with enhanced accessibility to welcome everyone.
Museum De Fundatie Accessibility:
- Address: Blijmarkt 20, 8011 NE Zwolle, The Netherlands.
- Parking: Four parking spaces for people with disabilities near Museum de Fundatie in Zwolle are located at Potgietersingel (2 spaces) and Blijmarkt (2 spaces).
- Opening hours: Tueday to Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Closed on the 1st of January and on the 25th of December. Free entrance every first Friday of the month between 5 PM and 9 PM.
- Entrance: The accessible entrance is via another way, via the shop of the museum. There is a ramp to enter the building (see photo).
- Lockers: accessible locker are located in a room next to the shop.
- Museum shop: accessible with a wheelchair.
- Toilets: there are accessible toilets in the museum, you can find them in the corridor between the different exhibition rooms.
- Accessibility: all the museum is accessible using a wheelchair. Elevators connect all the floors. To enter the museum via the accessible entrance you will need to ring the bell. The doors are heavy.
- Companion: For visitors who are unable to tour the museum independently, it is possible to request a free ticket for a companion.
- Rental: a few wheelchairs are availabble for rental in the museum (and chair too). You can reserve them via this telephone number: +31 572388188.
- Guide dogs: Guide and assistance dogs are welcomed at Naturalis. They should wear a visible jacket or harness and have proper identification.
- Mobility scooters: due the limited space of the museum the mobility scooters are not allowed.
