20th-century galleries
Till 9 November 2026
Every six months we present new spotlight displays in the 20th-century galleries of the Rijksmuseum. This edition highlights the drawings of Madelon Vriesendorp, Charley Toorop’s artistic circle, and the influence of photography on 20th-century advertising.
Madelon Vriesendorp
Artist and architect Madelon Vriesendorp (1945) was a co-founder of the influential architectural firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). Her drawings have enjoyed international renown since the 1970s and have previously been exhibited at the Guggenheim in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. The 20th-century collection display features a dozen recent acquisitions. An important theme in her early work is New York. The energy of Manhattan and the city’s sleek structure served as a major source of inspiration, with the Statue of Liberty and other iconic buildings playing a leading role.
The Toorop Family of Artists
When Charley Toorop (1891–1955) passed away, it made front-page news. She left behind an impressive body of paintings, but her artistic legacy extended far beyond that. As the daughter of a famous artist herself, she was the linchpin of the next generation of artists. Surrounding her self-portrait are photographs and paintings by, among others, Bep Rietveld—her student, Edgar Fernhout—her son, John Fernhout—her son, and Eva Besnyö—her daughter-in-law.
Advertising and Photography
In the 1920s and 1930s, advertising evolved into a serious profession, with photography playing an increasingly important role. Until then, advertisements had consisted mainly of text and drawings. The Nederlandse Kabelfabriek was a pioneer in using photographs that gave products a modern, contemporary look. Designer Piet Zwart laid the groundwork for this in the 1920s, and Frits Stapel built upon it. A number of their iconic designs are highlighted in a small exhibition.
Political Art
In the interwar years (1919–1939), Europe was gripped by political tensions. This polarized climate also influenced the work of artists in the Netherlands. The inflammatory imagery of political propaganda found its way onto the canvas. For example, artist Henri van de Velde depicted the ideology of fascism in a painting he titled The New Man. A small exhibition features two paintings and a poster from this period.
The Freedom of Karel Appel
A thirst for freedom and rising prosperity served as a driving force for artistic experimentation during the post-war reconstruction. This drive for innovation reached its peak in the 1960s. One of the artists of this generation was Karel Appel. In this era of optimism, he was often commissioned to create artworks for public buildings. His colorful human and animal figures complemented the sleek buildings that were springing up everywhere. Among the new additions to the collection is a sketch Appel made for a mosaic dozens of meters long along the Noord-Hollands Kanaal in Amsterdam-Noord.
Until 9 November 2026
ADDRESS
Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam
ACCESSIBILITY
Wheelchair access
Guide dogs allowed
Lifts on every floor
FAQ
Free cloak room
Photography allowed
Free WiFi
OPENING HOURS
Daily 9-17h