Luther Museum Amsterdam Foundation
The Luther Museum is located in the boardrooms, corridor, and adjoining chapel of the Wittenberg, the former Evangelical-Lutheran Old Men's and Women's Home (OMVH). It is a relatively unknown building that has never before been accessible to the general public. The building is therefore an essential part of the museum.
New Director
As of December 1st, Steven van Teeseling has started as the director of the Luther Museum in Amsterdam; “one of the most beautiful unknown monuments in Amsterdam.”
Steven van Teeseling (Nijmegen, 1970) is an art historian and business administrator. After a period of curating exhibitions, he worked as an art critic for publications such as De Groene Amsterdammer and Metropolis M. He worked for a long time at the National Fund for Visual Arts, Design and Architecture, and later as head of communication & innovation at the Mondriaan Fund for visual arts and cultural heritage. After that, Van Teeseling was the director of the Sonsbeek & State of Fashion Foundation in Arnhem, which organized the Sonsbeek sculpture exhibition and the Arnhem Fashion Biennale.
Steven van Teeseling: “The Luther Museum is one of the most beautiful unknown monuments in Amsterdam. My mission for the coming years is to make the museum, the collection, and the Lutheran heritage more visible and to create a program for a broad audience based on the values of the Dutch Lutheran community: engaged with contemporary society, with room for inspiration, (self-)exploration, nuance, and experimentation. I am very much looking forward to working with the board and the team of the Luther Museum to further build an up-to-date museum for connection and engagement.”
Camiel Vingerhoets, member of the board: “With the appointment of Steven van Teeseling as director of the Luther Museum, we are closing the pioneering phase of the museum and aim to further develop and expand the Luther Museum Amsterdam with interesting exhibitions and substantive discussion programs for a broad audience. In addition, we want to provide a platform for neighborhood activities that align with the diaconal role of the Luther Museum, and we will continue to offer our unique building for the organization of concerts and performances. We have great confidence in the abilities of Steven and the rest of his knowledgeable and dedicated team.”
Mission and Policy
The museum aims to familiarize the public with Lutheranism in the Netherlands and Amsterdam, the role of Wittenberg as an administrative center, and the works of the diaconate in the past and present.
Each year, the museum organizes two exhibitions and various events. One exhibition focuses on diaconal work, and the other is related to Lutheranism in the Netherlands. The programming encourages interaction and connection by attracting a diverse audience. The themes addressed show how the Lutheran church continues to play an important role in various aspects of contemporary society.
Governance and Organization
The foundation endorses the ethical museum code, and the board applies the Governance Code Culture, the Fair Practice Code, and the Code of Inclusion & Diversity. Given the scope, a governance model has been chosen. The board does not receive any remuneration.
The museum is open four days a week with the help of volunteers. The involvement of refugees, the elderly, and young people is encouraged following the Diaconate's policy. The museum engages young people in its organization by offering internships and traineeships. The museum's paid staff is limited.
Annual Reports and Financial Statements
Volunteers
Volunteers
Would you like to come and help us?
The Luther Museum is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers! If you would like to be involved with us as a host or hostess, please send an email to info@luthermuseum.nl
