“From ‘Potatoe Warehouse’ to Edam Museum”
The Edam Museum 130 Years!
The commissioner for constructing the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and an influential advocate for preserving national cultural heritage, Jonkheer Victor de Stuers (1843-1916), founded what we now call Monument Preservation in the Netherlands. He also boosted the establishment of museums in the Netherlands, such as the Edam Museum.
Mayor Hendrik Jan Calkoen (1848-1923) and alderman Willem Janszoon Tuyn (1844-1914) of the municipality of Edam wanted to preserve the 16th-century building at Damplein 8, which became vacant in 1893 after merchant Dirk ‘Potatoe’ passed away. From an archaeological perspective, they felt it would be regrettable to demolish the house, as it was an attraction for foreigners who frequently made drawings or photographs of it. Demolishing the façade, the municipal government believed, would deprive Edam of a tourist attraction and, therefore, income.
During the removal of wooden planks and partitions, an authentic floor, tiled walls, 16th-century wood carvings, and intact beams throughout the building were discovered. The idea soon arose to establish a museum on the ground floor showcasing preserved and exhibited heritage from the region.
The Edam Museum opened on August 5, 1895. The founders and initiators believed it was of the utmost importance to preserve historical objects and show the history of Edam, in particular, in a ‘typical Old Dutch interior.’
In the early years, the museum mainly exhibited ‘Waterlandsche’ objects, which had been donated or lent after calls in newspapers or purchased by the museum administration. The interior and museum collections have remained nearly unchanged after 130 years.
This exhibition tells the story of these founders, the origin of some collection pieces from our rich depot, demolished buildings, and changed cityscapes. Specifically, items that have not been permanently exhibited are featured in this exhibition. After decades in the depot, some museum objects are now finally presented to the public. This exhibition also covers the City Drawing School and art in the museum’s collection from visual artists who worked in the city and sometimes traveled far to Edam.
The anniversary exhibition showcases 130 years of love for the Edam Museum and a deep affection for the history of Edam in particular.
Edam Museum 130 years
April 6 – October 26
Townhall, Damplein 1 Edam
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10.00 – 16.30
Closed on Mondays.
below:
1 = Coopmanshuys (Damplein 8) / 2 = Townhall with exhibition (Damplein 1)
