The Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven has launched a radical restructuring of its visitor experience, replacing traditional locker keyrings with sensory fidget toys and abandoning chronological art displays in favor of non-linear “star clusters.” According to museum director Defne Ayas, this initiative, titled “System Thinkers,” aims to make the museum environment more accessible and “sensual” for a diverse, international public. The project integrates artists directly into the museum’s operational framework, reconfiguring everything from the building’s spatial design to the way it manages its 3,600-piece collection.
Why are museums shifting toward sensory-inclusive design?
Museums are increasingly adopting neurodivergent-friendly design to accommodate visitors who may find traditional gallery environments overwhelming. At the Van Abbemuseum, the ADEZIV neurodivergent design network has introduced fidget tools as locker keys, which Daisy Dawson of ADEZIV describes as a method to help visitors “regulate their system.” Beyond the lockers, the museum utilizes sensory maps to alert visitors to potential triggers like buzzing lights or high-decibel acoustic zones. This shift reflects a broader trend in the cultural sector to move away from the “white cube” model—a sterile, quiet exhibition space—toward environments that acknowledge the physiological needs of the audience, according to senior exhibitions curator Yolande van der Heide.
The Van Abbemuseum’s new sensory approach is part of an initiative called “System Thinkers,” which embeds artists—including Ayoung Kim, john gerrard, and Ayumi Paul—directly into the museum’s planning and operational strategies.
How does non-chronological curation change the visitor experience?
By organizing the collection as “Collection as Cosmos,” the Van Abbemuseum has moved away from historical timelines to group works like “star clusters across time.” This approach, overseen by Van der Heide, uses physical interventions like mid-wall curtains and varied lighting to break the monotony of the traditional gallery corridor. The museum’s top floor now draws inspiration from the southern hemisphere’s night sky, encouraging visitors to view art as interconnected ideas rather than a linear progression of history. This structural change is designed to prioritize emotional and sensory impact, with director Defne Ayas noting that the museum’s new spatial design is intended to make experiences feel “sensual” or even “erotic” to ensure visitors feel more alive within the space.
What happens when art is removed from the collection?
The Van Abbemuseum maintains transparency regarding its provenance research, particularly concerning Nazi-looted art. When the museum identified the Kandinsky painting View of Murnau with Church (1910) as looted property, it removed the work and returned it to the heirs of the original German Jewish owners. In its place, the museum now displays a print alongside the “UIT transport” receipt—the official documentation of the restitution. This practice turns the absence of an artwork into an educational moment about ethics and history, rather than simply leaving a blank space on the wall.
Pro Tips: Navigating the New Van Abbemuseum
- Check the sensory map: Before entering the “Collection as Cosmos” exhibition, consult the sensory guide to identify rooms with high-intensity lighting or sound.
- Engage with the “System Thinkers”: Look for the digital simulations like john gerrard’s Ghost Feed (2025), which are designed to challenge traditional perspectives on environmental and algorithmic systems.
- Look for community contributions: Seek out the boxes containing household objects donated by 90 local residents, created to celebrate the museum’s 90th anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “System Thinkers” initiative?
It is a long-term strategy at the Van Abbemuseum that integrates artists and scholars directly into the museum’s decision-making and operational processes.
Are the fidget toys at the museum for sale?
No, the fidget toys serve as functional locker keys, intended to provide sensory regulation for all visitors as they navigate the museum space.
Is the museum still chronological?
No, the museum has moved to a non-chronological “star cluster” model to encourage deeper connections between different periods of art.
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