Design Museum Den Bosch | Design in 's-Hertogenbosch

Explore the World of Design: Design Museum Den Bosch

Dive into the fascinating world of design at Design Museum Den Bosch, the premier destination for design enthusiasts located in the vibrant heart of 's-Hertogenbosch. As the dedicated design museum in Den Bosch, situated within the city's Museumkwartier, this dynamic institution invites you to explore the past, present, and future of design and its profound impact on our daily lives and culture. 's-Hertogenbosch itself is a city steeped in history since the 12th century, fostering a rich cultural environment where institutions like this museum, the Noordbrabants Museum, and the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center thrive. Unlike its neighbour focused on visual arts and regional history, Design Museum Den Bosch distinguishes itself by specializing in applied arts, particularly renowned collections in ceramics and jewelry, alongside groundbreaking explorations into the Posthuman future. The museum's core mission is to highlight, discuss, and explore the cultural significance of design, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience.

From Academy Initiative to Modern Design Hub: A History

The museum's story begins in 1956, originating from an educational archive project at the city's Koninklijke Academie voor Kunst en Vormgeving (Royal Academy for Art and Design), initially focused on collecting ceramics and posters. This initiative evolved into the Gemeentelijke Tentoonstellingsdienst, which became independent in 1972 and found a home in the historic Het Kruithuis.

The institution gained official status as 'Museum het Kruithuis' in 1985, also starting its renowned jewelry collection. Under director Yvonne Joris (1988-2009), its focus on applied arts and international standing grew. As ambitions expanded, Het Kruithuis became too small. Plans in the 1990s (when renamed Stedelijk Museum 's-Hertogenbosch) for an expansion were halted.

Temporary relocations followed before a new chapter began in 2013 with the opening of the current purpose-built museum, designed by Hubert-Jan Henket, seamlessly integrated into the Museumkwartier alongside Het Noordbrabants Museum. Reflecting a sharpened focus and providing clarity, the institution was strategically renamed from Stedelijk Museum 's-Hertogenbosch to Design Museum Den Bosch in June 2018. Under current director Timo de Rijk, it continues to gain attention with notable exhibitions like "Design of the Third Reich" (2019-2020) and embraces digital exploration via "De Derde Verdieping".

Architectural Statement: The Building

Designed by Hubert-Jan Henket (2005-2008, opened 2013), the Design Museum Den Bosch building presents a striking modern counterpoint within the historic Museumkwartier. Its distinctive glistening green glass facade (groenglazen gevel) curves along De Mortel, marking its main entrance. Inside, a spacious ground floor welcomes visitors, with a monumental spiral staircase leading to exhibition halls. Iconic design pieces like the former Campana Brothers auditorium shell (now the shop) and their Kaiman Jacaré bench are visible. Features include an auditorium, educational studio, and the "The Cabinet" display for ceramics highlights.

Exploring the Collections at Design Museum Den Bosch: Ceramics, Jewelry, and the Future

Design Museum Den Bosch holds a significant collection of over 7,000 items (over 4,000 ceramics, 1,500 jewelry pieces), specializing in key areas while exploring design's broad impact through societal significance and storytelling. Key pieces feature in permanent displays like "Design!" and rotating exhibitions.

• Posthuman: Established in 2017, this area explores design's role in our future with technology and the body, examining enhancements and ethics through works like Zach Blas's critiques and virtual models like Shudu.
• Ceramics (including West Coast): Reflecting deep roots (since 1956), this collection highlights movements like West Coast Ceramics (Peter Voulkos, Kenneth Price, etc.) and features artists like Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Lucio Fontana, and Dutch artists.
• Workout Techniek: Showcases the interplay of technology, technique, and function through diverse objects, from digital performances (Bart Hess) to innovative prototypes (Gijs Bakker) and unique production methods (Glithero, Frank Tjepkema).
• Jewelry: Boasts one of the Netherlands' most important modern/contemporary jewelry collections (post-1945 Dutch/American focus). Includes archives of Gijs Bakker, Marion Herbst, Emmy van Leersum, and work by Hans Appenzeller. Also features jewelry designed by major 20th-century artists like Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, Man Ray, and others.

The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions like Sneakers Unboxed, GOTH – Designing Darkness, and Lucio Fontana.

Getting to Design Museum Den Bosch

Located centrally within the Museumkwartier at De Mortel 4, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Design Museum Den Bosch is easily accessible:

• By Public Transport:
  • Train: 's-Hertogenbosch Centraal Station is a 15-20 minute walk.
  • Bus: City buses (stadsbussen) stop near the city center / Museumkwartier. Use 9292.nl.
• By Car:
  • Follow signs 's-Hertogenbosch Centrum / Museumkwartier.
  • Nearest parking garage: Wolvenhoek (approx. 100m).
  • Short drop-off possible at De Mortel 4.
• By Bicycle/Foot:
  • Easily reached on foot from the city center.
  • Bicycle parking (fietsenstalling) nearby.

Planning Your Visit to Design Museum Den Bosch

• Check Ahead: Visit the official Design Museum Den Bosch website (designmuseum.nl) for current exhibitions, opening hours, ticket prices, and events.
• Tickets: Online booking recommended (especially events), but tickets also available at the desk. Time slots not currently used. Consider a combination ticket with Het Noordbrabants Museum (often cheaper online).
• Visit Duration: Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
• Quieter Visits: Weekdays, especially afternoons (after 15:00).
• Photography: Personal use, no flash/tripods, unless signs state otherwise. Tag @designmuseumdenbosch!
• Families: Free entry under 18. Strollers/buggies permitted. Front-worn baby carriers allowed. Check for activities.

Accessibility Features at Design Museum Den Bosch

Design Museum Den Bosch is committed to welcoming all visitors:

• Mobility: Fully accessible (lifts, ramps, no thresholds). Accessible toilets. Wheelchair (max 125kg) and stools loanable (reserve wheelchair recommended). Mobility scooters/walking bikes permitted (maneuverability may vary). Lockers at various heights.
• Companions: Necessary companions enter free. Mention at desk or use 'Other discount card' online.
• Parking/Drop-off: Wolvenhoek garage nearby (100m). Drop-off at De Mortel 4.
• Assistance Dogs: Registered guide dogs and SOHO assistance dogs welcome.

Museum Facilities

• Museum Brasserie: Refreshments (coffee, lunch). Accessible without museum ticket.
• Museum Shop: (Ground floor) Design books, catalogs, jewelry, ceramics, gifts. Accessible without museum ticket (Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00).
• Cloakroom & Lockers: Free lockers (ground floor). Mandatory storage for items >A4, coats, umbrellas. Unsupervised coat rack available.
• Payment: Cashless only (PIN/debit card, contactless).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Design Museum Den Bosch

• Tickets and Discounts
  • Which discount cards are valid? Free: Museumkaart, Rembrandtkaart, VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART, Friend's Card, ICOM, AICA. 50% off: CJP, student card. Free under 18.
  • Can I buy/use a Museumkaart here? Yes, buy temporary/use valid card.
  • Do I have to reserve tickets online? No (except events). Buy online or at desk. Combi-tickets often cheaper online.
  • Can I change or cancel my online ticket? Yes, via self-service link or support form.
  • Do I need to print my e-ticket? No, scan from phone/tablet.
  • Can I buy a combi-ticket with Het Noordbrabants Museum? Yes, online or at desks.
  • Do I need a ticket for the Brasserie or Shop? No, located on accessible ground floor.
• Accessibility
  • Is the museum accessible for wheelchairs/scooters? Yes, fully. Wheelchair/stools available (reserve wheelchair recommended). Scooters/walking bikes welcome (check maneuverability). Accessible toilets.
  • Can I park nearby or be dropped off? Parkeergarage Wolvenhoek (100m). Drop-off at De Mortel 4 entrance.
  • Are assistance dogs allowed? Yes, registered guide/SOHO dogs.
  • Can I bring a companion for free? Yes, for visitors needing assistance.
  • When is the museum least crowded? Weekdays, especially after 15:00.
• House Rules & Practical Matters
  • Is there a cloakroom? Yes, free lockers and unsupervised rack.
  • Can I bring my coat/bag into the exhibits? Store items >A4 and coats in lockers. Small bags (≤A4) allowed.
  • Are strollers/buggies/baby carriers allowed? Yes (strollers/buggies, child inside or stored; front-worn carriers).
  • Can I take photos? Yes, personal use, no flash/tripods, unless posted otherwise. Tag @designmuseumdenbosch!
  • Are pets allowed? No (except assistance dogs).
  • Can I eat or drink inside? Only in Brasserie/terrace. No outside food/drink.
  • Are there toilets? Yes, gender-neutral blocks (ground/first floor) with accessible facilities.
  • Can I leave and re-enter on the same ticket? Officially single-entry. Discuss brief departures with staff.
  • I lost something, what now? Contact [email protected].
• Other Questions
  • Can I book a guided tour? Yes, check website.
  • Can I rent space or host an event? Yes, contact [email protected].
  • How can I support the museum? Donate online, become a Friend/Member/Patron (see website).
  • I want to sell my products in the shop. Contact [email protected].
  • I have an object to donate/propose. Contact [email protected].
  • Can I visit with a school class? Yes, check 'Education' online or contact [email protected].
  • I'm a journalist. Contact [email protected] / 073-627 35 13.
  • Are there job openings/internships? Check 'Vacatures' page or send open application to [email protected].