Discover the Museum of the Mind In Haarlem

There are some very cool museums in Haarlem, Netherlands and since we’ve been living here, we’ve been trying to visit them all. We stopped into the gorgeous and fun Teylers Museum and checked out the art at the Frans Hals Museum and then we found the Museum of the Mind. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

Also translated as Museum of the Spirit (Museum Van De Geest), this stop is a unique look into the human mind through art. The museum has an innovative approach to their exhibition which blends art, science, and history and because of that was named the Museum of the Year 2022.

Museum van de Geest, Het Dulhuys, Museum of the Mind, Haarlem, Netherlands

Get ready to find out about the lines between sanity and insanity:

Basic Info
A Blend of History, Art, and Psychiatry
A Journey into the Mind
The Art of Outsider Art
Engaging Activities for Young Explorers

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Basic Info

Address: Schotersingel 2, Haarlem, Netherlands

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 5:00pm

Admission: Adults: €20.00; Children 0-7: Free; Children 8-12: €10.00; Children 13-17: €15.00; Young People 18-26: €15

Free with Haarlem Pass, I Amsterdam City Card

Website: https://museumvandegeest.nl/

A Blend of History, Art, and Psychiatry

While walking around the very interesting exhibitions, be sure to check out the architecture and various spaces that make up the building itself which was used for health-related purposes for centuries. There is a rather compelling narrative of Haarlem’s approach to healthcare and societal challenges to be found here.

From its origins as a hospice for the sick outside the city walls to its evolution into a center for leprosy testing, the museum grounds are full of stories of compassion, innovation, and the human condition. This melding of spaces has created a fascinating venue that explores the nuances of mental health, art, and history.

The Museum van de Geest which you see today was established in 2020 by merging of Het Dolhuys, or “The Crazy House”, a museum for psychiatry, and the Outsider Art Museum in Amsterdam.

A Journey into the Mind

The museum has a great collection that features artifacts from seven psychiatric hospitals and art and together it all challenges the visitor to contrast what is considered sane and what is considered insane.

Historic artifacts include a wooden leper clapper, a restraint chair from the 19th century, an asylum coat embroidered with the Gothic alphabet and Rorschach’s stain test.

A big message throughout encourages empathy and understanding towards mental health issues, something which I really appreciated and I think is a great lesson for all of us, but for the kids we’re teaching as well most definitely.

The Art of Outsider Art

A significant part of the museum is dedicated to Outsider Art, showcasing works by self-taught artists who draw inspiration solely from their inner voices. This collection not only adds a vibrant layer to the museum’s offerings but also challenges visitors to reconsider the norms of artistic expression.

Engaging Activities for Young Explorers

Something we’ve noticed about many of the museums in the Netherlands is that they are really invested in providing educational opportunities for the younger people you’re bringing along.

In that vein, the Museum van de Geest offers specially designed routes and activities for children and young adults. There is an interactive children’s route for those aged 8-12, a thought-provoking Young Adult route for teens, and an imaginative exhibition for little ones aged 3-7.

There’s something to spark curiosity and learning for every age group. Just ask at the desk after you get tickets for more information. The staff is very helpful in explaining the options.