The Unforgettable Van Abbe programme consists of interactive tours for visitors dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Looking at art in an interactive way offers them the opportunity to express themselves and to engage in a dialogue with their environment. The programme focusses on the positive, creative and inspiring, not on the disease.
During an Unforgettable tour, participants view artworks together and engage in a conversation. By sharing stories, memories, associations and ideas, the participants bring the artworks to life.
We welcome individual visitors and their caregivers every second Monday of the month from 2 to 5.30 pm (subject to change). The interactive tour is free, but a museum ticket is required. Admission for one caregiver/companion per participant is free. Check the calendar for upcoming tours here.
On request, the Unforgettable tours can also be booked at other days and times. For more information, contact us via reserveringen@vanabbemuseum.nl or 040-238 10 42.
In April 2013, the Van Abbemuseum, in collaboration with the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, launched a special programme for people with dementia and their loved ones. It was inspired by the Meet Me at MoMA-programma at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
More and more people are directly or indirectly affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Looking at art offers opportunities to exchange ideas without having to fall back on short-term memory. It provides access to long-term memory and personal experiences. Moreover, it boosts brain stimulation through cognitive exercise; research shows that this has a positive effect on health.
More and more people are directly or indirectly affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Looking at art offers opportunities to exchange ideas without having to fall back on short-term memory. It provides access to long-term memory and personal experiences. Moreover, it boosts brain stimulation through cognitive exercise; research shows that this has a positive effect on health.
The Unforgettable Van Abbe programme not only leads to an improvement in the quality of life of the person with Alzheimer's disease, but it also has positive effects on their caregiver and their relationship. Furthermore, the museum offers a safe and inspiring environment to get in touch with peers.
For questions regarding the Unlimited Van Abbe programme, please contact Vivian Heyms, Constituent organiser (vivian.heyms [at] vanabbemuseum.nl / +31 6 385 568 10) or Glenda Pattipeilohy, education and mediation (glenda.pattipeilohy [at]vanabbemuseum.nl / +31 6 3855 4992). For questions regarding reservations, contact the museum via reserveringen@vanabbemuseum.nl or 040-238 10 42.