Theatremuseum

The Theatremuseum (Theater Instituut Nederland) is part of the Dutch Theatre Institute. The museum is housed in five spectacular buildings from the 17th Century situated on one of Amsterdam's main canals at its historic center. The institute features a large array of resources, facilities, and capacities. Its current mission is as follows, "The objective of Theater Instituut Nederland is to make a significant contribution to the knowledge of, and opinion on, the Dutch theatre culture in an international context".

The Theatremuseum houses exhibitions spanning topics from children's theatre to drama to circus. It is in all encompassing museum of theatre and also is home to a library. Museum officials collect current documentation and information to add to its exhibits. They also organize conferences, workshops, discussions, and international presentations for patrons to attend. The institute is an independent non-profit organization that employs approximately 65 staff members to maintain the large collection of art.

Established by a handful of enthusiasts in 1924, the Theatremuseum eventually evolved into what is known today as the Theater Instituut. Its initial collection was comprised of private collections that were purchased to make up the museum. The museum and library opened to the public several years later in the 1960's. It eventually merged with the Dutch Centre of the International Theatre Institute. With time, an archive of state image and sound items were added to the collection. In 1992, the institute merged again, this time with three other institutes housed in adjoining buildings. The entire complex was renovated a short time later. Today, the museum is 4,400 square meters.

Visit the Theatermuseum website