Museum De Fundatie, located in the heart of Zwolle, is one of the Netherlands’ most captivating art museums, blending rich history with a modern approach to art and culture. Housed in a striking neoclassical building known as the Palais aan de Blijmarkt, the museum has become a beacon for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The museum’s iconic, eye-catching feature is its futuristic “cloud” or “egg” structure, which was added in 2013, hovering above the original building and offering a stunning contrast between old and new.
The museum’s origins trace back to the 19th century when it was first established as a private collection by Dirk Hannema, an influential art collector and former director of the Boymans Museum in Rotterdam. Hannema’s extensive collection of fine art became the foundation for what is now Museum De Fundatie. Over the years, the museum’s collection has grown significantly, encompassing works from the Dutch Golden Age, Romanticism, and contemporary art, including pieces by masters like Van Gogh, Turner, and Mondrian.
In addition to its permanent collection, Museum De Fundatie is renowned for its dynamic temporary exhibitions that showcase both emerging and established artists from around the globe. The museum’s blend of historical and modern art, coupled with its stunning architecture, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of the Netherlands.
Recently, Accessible Travel Netherlands conducted a visit to Museum De Fundatie to evaluate its accessibility for travelers with disabilities. The organization found that the museum offers a welcoming and accessible experience, with various features designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges, visual impairments, and other special needs. The museum provides wheelchair access throughout the building, including the “cloud” extension, which offers breathtaking views of Zwolle. Additionally, there are accessible restrooms, elevators, and helpful staff members available to assist visitors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the rich artistic treasures housed within this unique cultural institution.
Museum De Fundatie not only offers a deep dive into the world of art but also serves as a model for how historic institutions can adapt to meet the needs of all visitors, making it a standout attraction in the Dutch cultural landscape.
NMuseum De Fundatie Accessibility:
- Address: Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Parking: Four parking spaces for people with disabilities. These cannot be reserved. The rate is €7.50 per day (paying by the hour is not possible)
- Opening hours: Naturalis is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. The museum is closed on the following dates: King’s Day, 02/07/24, 03/09/24, 25/12/24.
- Entrance: automated doors. For accessible access you have to press the blue button (see photo).
- Lockers: accessible locker are located in a room next to the reception. To use the locker there is a deposit of 0,50 or 1,- Euro. The machine to get coins paying with a card it is not accessible. If needed it is possible to ask to the reception the change.
- Museum shop: accessible with a wheelchair.
- Toilets: there accessible toilets in the museum are at the ground floor and on the 9th floor.
- Accessibility: all the museum is accessible using a wheelchair. Elevators connect all the floors.
- 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 at the park; it is a good idea to reserve one beforehand via reception.
- The Hidden Disability Sunflowers: Naturalis is a member of the association.
- Guide dogs: Guide and assistance dogs are welcomed at Naturalis. They should wear a visible jacket or harness and have proper identification.
- Mobility scooters: small mobility scooters are allowed in the museum.
- Less stimuli visits: A museum visit can be full of stimuli, such as sounds, moving images, smells, or flashes of light. Everyone experiences these stimuli differently. To help with processing them, we offer a comfort basket containing items like ear protectors, sunglasses, stress balls, and fidget toys. If you’d like to use it, simply ask for the comfort basket at the front desk. The basket is available to everyone, and you can choose what you’d like to borrow. No reservation is needed. After your visit, please return the items to the front desk.
