A museum dedicated to a living artist
What can you see at the Marius van Dokkum Museum?
At the new Marius van Dokkum Museum, you can immerse yourself in the world of Marius van Dokkum. Of course, you’ll find the humorous and relatable paintings for which he is so well loved. Familiar favourites are displayed alongside new works and paintings you may not have seen before. From humorous scenes of everyday life to portraits, landscapes and still lifes, the museum reveals just how versatile Marius is as an artist.
More than a smile
In the museum, you’ll discover not only what Marius paints, but also what he wants to convey through his work.
A museum with a smile
From a talent for drawing to an accomplished artist
The new museum takes you through Marius’ life and artistic development. From a boy who loved to draw and trained as an illustrator to the painter he is today. You’ll discover where his love of drawing and painting comes from and which artists have inspired him.
You’ll also see how his work fits within a long tradition of figurative painting. The museum displays original works by artists who have been important influences on Marius, including Henk Helmantel, Jopie Huisman and Jan Steen.
Take a look inside his studio
One of the museum’s most special spaces is Marius’ studio. The spacious studio is inspired by his own workspace at home and offers a glimpse into the surroundings in which his paintings are created.
Marius works here one day a week. If he is there during your visit, you can watch him paint and ask him questions about his work and creative process. We never know in advance which day he will be there. And if Marius isn’t in? You can still discover how he works and learn more about how his paintings are created.
Marius tells the story himself
Who better to talk about the paintings than the artist himself? In the new audio tour, Marius shares the stories behind a selection of his works. The Dutch version is narrated by Marius himself, while the audio tour is also available in English, German and French.
With his characteristic humour and warmth, he talks about the scenes, special details and stories behind his paintings.
The new museum also features a film about Marius. For this film, a filmmaker followed him for an entire year. From season to season, you get a unique glimpse into his life as a painter: where does he find his inspiration, how does he work and what occupies his mind?
The film takes you, among other places, to his birthplace and to the Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum, a place Marius loves to visit and which has inspired him for many years. This way, you get to know not only his paintings, but also the artist behind them.
Please note: the film is currently available in Dutch only.
A museum that continues to grow
The Marius van Dokkum Museum is entirely dedicated to an artist who is still living and working today. That makes a visit all the more special. Marius continues to paint and his body of work continues to grow. New works can therefore find their way into the museum, keeping the collection fresh and ever-changing.
Whether you have known Marius’ work for years or are discovering it for the first time, there is always something new to see.
