This fascinating museum tells the extraordinary story of Hendrik Wiegersma, a doctor famed for his striking personality. He moved to Deurne in 1917. In 1924, encouraged by artist Otto van Rees, he began painting and soon found success, leading to his first major exhibition at Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam in 1928. He ultimately became an important expressionist painter in the Netherlands.
His home, ‘De Wieger’, evolved into a meeting place for writers and artists, who came to adorn the home with their artwork. This listed monumental building with its lovely garden, is now home to Museum De Wieger, its collection based on the legacy left by Wiegersma. The permanent collection includes gems from artists such as Charley Toorop, Jan Sluijters, Leo Gestel, Theo van Doesburg, Jan Mankes and Else Berg.
A major source of inspiration for all those visiting artists was the local farm life in an area in which (industrial) peat extraction was coming to an end. This was still (long) before De Groote Peel National Park turned into such a beautiful nature reserve. As a doctor, Wiegersma also made remarkable use of nature, preparing many of his medicines himself using medicinal herbs harvested from his own garden.
The garden and surroundings of De Wieger were incorporated into the lyrics of the song 'Het Dorp' by Friso. one of Wiegersma's sons. Life partner of cabaret performer Wim Sonneveld, Friso immortalized his nostalgic memories in a song that is still voted as most beautiful in the Netherlands every year. The museum garden is the setting for concerts. lectures. (children's) workshops and films.
Adults €10.50
Children up to 12 years Free
ICOM and Friends of De Wieger Free
Students €5.50
Museum De Wieger
Oude Liesselseweg 29
5751 WN Deurne
The Netherlands
+31 493 322930
info@dewieger.nl
Museum De Wieger is wheelchair friendly. There is a lift. Dogs are not allowed in the museum, with an exception for assistance dogs.
Every Monday closed
Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00
Note: opening times may be different during public holidays
For current opening hours, check here (note: in Dutch).
Deurne has a train station. From the station, it is about a 10-minute walk to De Wieger. Plan your journey via ns.nl or 9292.nl.
Ample parking is available near De Wieger. You can park for free at the museum. If there is no parking space left at the museum, you can park on the street (max. 3 hours) or use the Wolfsberg car park in the centre of Deurne. From the car park, it is only a five-minute walk to the museum.
