Vermeers also on display at nursing and retirement homes
Publication date: 15 March 2023 - 09:00
The Rijksmuseum is partnering with Philips to exhibit true-to-life replicas of Vermeer paintings at nursing and retirement homes throughout the Netherlands. The tour launches today at Zorgcirkel Novawhere in the city of Purmerend. This initiative means people who may be unable to visit the museum itself are still able to see Vermeer’s art.
Closer to Vermeer
Closer to Vermeer comprises a specially built re-creation of one of the side alcoves of the Rijksmuseum’s Gallery of Honour. On display inside it are four realistic replicas of the four works by Vermeer in the Rijksmuseum collection: The Love Letter, Woman Reading a Letter, The Milkmaid and The Little Street. The paintings are specially lit, and hung low enough for wheelchair users to view them properly. Philips employees have been trained as museum guides for this initiative. They will be present to provide information about Vermeer on request. All residents of the host homes will receive an information brochure about the display. A quiz and workshop are also available. The display will remain at each venue for three weeks, before moving on to the following destination.
More initiatives
Besides Closer to Vermeer, the Rijksmuseum is running several other initiatives. In 2020, for example, Night Watch on Tour was launched, with four actual-size replicas of Rembrandt’s masterpiece going on display at hospitals and nursing homes around the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum also organises guided tours for people with dementia and their close friends or family. For a full list of these and similar activities, please visit the Rijksmuseum website.
Vital support
The Rijksmuseum is grateful for all the forms of support it receives. Government funding, contributions from the business sector and funding organisations, as well as gifts, bequests and Friends are all of vital importance to the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum and Philips have been close partners for more than 20 years. Their shared ambition is to connect people with art.
The Closer to Vermeer project came about through a collaboration between the Rijksmuseum, Philips, the Elisabeth Art Foundation / Rijksmuseum Fund, and Pon.
Night Watch on Tour is made possible by Philips, the Elisabeth Art Foundation / Rijksmuseum Fund, and Pon.
