The History and Origins of Museum Belvédère
The origins of Museum Belvédère trace back to the 1950s, born from a shared vision held by three friends: Thom Mercuur, Sjoerd de Vries, and Boele Bregman. These individuals sought to establish a dedicated space for modern art within Friesland, intending to create a permanent home for the visual expression of the region and its connections to international movements. Their ambition was to build a "viewing box" for art that would remain rooted in the local landscape.
After decades of development, the institution officially opened on November 24, 2004. The opening ceremony was performed by Queen Beatrix. The museum was established to focus on 20th-century and contemporary visual art, specifically highlighting artists from the Northern Netherlands in relation to those from abroad. This mission ensures that the work of significant Frisian painters finds a permanent place within the local cultural fabric.
The dedication of the founders remains a central part of the institution's history. Thom Mercuur, who was instrumental in realizing this vision, was named an honorary citizen of Heerenveen on February 9, 2010. Today, Museum Belvédère continues to function as a specialized venue for modern and contemporary art in Heerenveen, maintaining the original intent of its founders to provide a sanctuary for artists from the north.
Modern and Contemporary Art Collections
The museum focuses on twentieth-century and contemporary visual art from Friesland. This collection places regional works in direct relation to artists from the Netherlands and abroad. The permanent collection includes significant works by important Friese painters, most notably Jan Mankes. His presence in the collection is central to the museum's focus on the development of modern art in the northern Netherlands.
The holdings feature a variety of painters who have shaped the local and national landscape. Thijs Rinsema, Tames Oud, and Gerrit Benner are represented within the permanent collection. The museum also maintains works by Boele Bregman, Willem van Althuis, and Sjoerd de Vries. These artists contribute to a continuous dialogue between regional identity and broader artistic movements.
Beyond these figures, the collection includes works by Hendrik Werkman, Jean Brusselmans, and Jan Altink. The selection of artists reflects a commitment to both established and contemporary voices. The museum maintains several specific works from the catalog:
- Portrait of Anne Zernike, 1915 - Jan Mankes
- Guineafowl, 1917 - Jan Mankes
- Hen with pewter dish, 1913 - Jan Mankes
- Mother in Interior, 1912 - Jan Mankes
- Parelhoen, 1910 - Jan Mankes
- Self-portrait 1918, 1918 - Jan Mankes
The Museum Building and Landscape
The museum is situated in the picturesque Oranjewoud, located near Landgoed Oranjewoud. The site lies east of the Skoatterwâld new housing district. The architecture of the building was designed to integrate into the surrounding landscape, maintaining a sense of harmony with its environment. The Prinsenwijk canal flows directly under the museum structure.
The landscape architect for the site was Michael R. van Gessel. The placement of the building allows for views of the water and the natural surroundings. This setting provides a specific context for the modern and contemporary art housed within the walls.
