Summertime at Teylers Museum
This summer, Teylers Museum will focus on its permanent collection and rich history during the first edition of Summer at Teylers (9 July to 4 September 2022). With an attractive programme full of activities for all ages, visitors are taken on an enjoyable voyage of discovery through the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Summery decor and music complete the (festival) atmosphere.
Marc de Beyer, director of Teylers Museum: ‘The entire concept of Summer at Teylers is based on discovery and understanding, all in an informal atmosphere. This fits in well with Teylers Museum’s DNA. The museum was founded in the eighteenth century as a research institute for art and science. It was and is a working institution, driven by the human curiosity to understand the world around us. By offering the stories behind the collection in an inquisitive way, we stimulate visitors’ curiosity and encourage them to think. We hope that it will invite visitors from all over the Netherlands and beyond to become (re-)acquainted with the oldest museum in the Netherlands.’
Stimulating audio experience
Visitors begin in the Oval Room, the ‘pearl’ of Teylers Museum, where it all began. When it opened in 1784, the museum consisted solely of the Oval Room. Through the impressive, long marble corridor of Pieter Teyler’s former residence, visitors would enter this then ultramodern laboratory and marvel at the latest scientific inventions, the interesting books, and art of the day. A stimulating audio experience brings the fascinating history of this unique monument to life.
Three routes
From here, visitors continue their tour along three possible routes: the Art Route through the two distinctive Picture Galleries; the Science Route in the Instrument and Fossil Rooms; and named after the founding father of Teylers Museum is the ‘Ideals of Pieter Teyler’ route in the recently opened and beautifully restored Pieter Teyler House. In each room, a staff member tells visitors more about the importance of the room, a piece of the collection or the role of a former colleague from the past, either on film or in person.
Multifaceted programme
Drawing fossils and instruments, a demonstration of an electrostatic generator, activities for families, model drawing, a crash course in physics, drop-in tours of the Library and the Observatory (the highest point at Teylers Museum, above of the Oval Room), theatrical tours with De Lorentz Formule, dance and music: in a varied programme for young and old, there is something for everyone every day. There is also much to see and do for those who ‘just’ want to enjoy the diverse collection. Soundscapes, beanbags, good food and drink and colourful accents throughout the galleries contribute to the summery (festival) atmosphere.