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The Netherlands’ oldest museum: always relevant

Teylers Museum, Haarlem (NL), 2022

How does a country’s longest-running museum stay relevant and current? And how can it better unify its activities? We return to the beginning.

The country’s oldest museum

We worked with the institution in a series of creative workshops. Taking the museum’s questions as a starting point, together we developed a concept: “The Netherlands’ oldest museum is always relevant. Let Pieter Teyler’s ideals inspire you via art and science.” Its longevity is a USP, yet the Teylers moves with the times and stays current. And it's a highly personal museum that started with Pieter Teyler’s last will and testament.


Photo: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, Creative Commons


Photo: Michiel Verbeek, Creative Commons

Art and science under one roof

The Teylers Museum brings together art and science. Its diverse collection of world-class objects, from paintings and technical instruments to fossils and minerals, inspires visitors to think about Pieter Teyler’s Enlightenment ideals. Surprising connections link the aesthetic to the scientific. The museum has begun emphasising these more in temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Contemporary ideals

For 250 years, the Teylers Museum has expressed Pieter Teyler’s Enlightenment ideals, as directed in his will. They are perhaps more relevant than ever today. Teyler believed art, religion, science, practical inventions, and helping others were the best ways of making the world a better place for everyone. The museum has translated these values into a mission that will speak to and inspire every generation.

From vision to action

The museum has done an effective job of turning its vision into action. The new concept has made its mark on everything from communications and activities to the Pieter Teyler Huis and the museum experience. It serves to keep the institution on course and create unity. The museum has gained a successful shared vision to guide it into the future.

Credits

Client
Teylers Museum

Consultancy
Studio Louter