The Outsider Art Museum is located at the Hermitage, in Amsterdam, and is part of the Museum of the Mind which is located in Haarlem (we will get to this one in another post). The almost overwhelming vividness of the chaotical and colourful composition of art pieces, sculptures, writings all across the walls, fashion, interactive media and loud music, takes one’s museum visit to a whole new unexpected level.
The three small rooms comprise two different exhibitions: The Democracy exhibition is an initiative orchestrated between fashion designer Duran Lantink, Jan Hoek, founder of Outsiderwear – a project in which talented outsider artists collaborate with emerging or already successful fashion designers, the Theatre LeBelle – a theatre dedicated to people with mental conditions and/or special needs and the Museum of the Mind. The For the Love of Art exhibition also displays various pieces of Outsider artists, who may be dealing with some kind of condition or disability, such as schizophrenia, autism, depression, addiction, etc.
The museum aims to offer a space for understanding, equality and inclusion while increasing awareness about the subject matter. As per a statement written on the walls of the entrance corridor, the “Museum van de Geest (Museum of the Mind) believes in a society, where you are seen and heard if your mind works differently from what is perceived as normal, and where you participate on the basis of equality”. Thereby the museum aims to “give a voice to people in society who were previously unrepresented in the cultural scene”.
Even though this might not be the ‘conventional’ museum to spend a relaxing afternoon at, it is definitely an experience that may change your perspective and will leave a lasting impact on you.
Tip: Since you are there I recommend paying a visit to the Amsterdam Museum too (more on this in another post). Also, behind the main entrance of the Hermitage, there is a beautiful yard where you will find the Dignita Hoftuin café. You can order the best carrot cake I have tried in Amsterdam (amongst other things they serve, of course) while supporting a good cause. When taking the exit behind the café you can also get the chance to pay your respects to the Holocaust Name Memorial.