Museum JAN

About the museum

Museum JAN was founded in 1991 by the industrialist and collector Jan van der Togt (1905–1995), founder of the Tomado factory, which became best known for the colourful metal shelving unit, the “Tomado-rekje”. After selling his factories in 1971 he devoted himself intensively to collecting; he was advised by the artist Jan Verschoor, who became a co-founder and later director of the museum. The museum is located in the Oude Dorp of Amstelveen and was built around Verschoor’s home on the Dorpsplein.

Until January 2020 it was called Museum Jan van der Togt; since then it has been named Museum JAN, which refers to both Jans. Since 2012 the foundation has been recognised as a charitable institution (ANBI). The museum sees itself as a place where art and design become accessible to a broad public, and it presents several exhibitions a year, often with well-known names but also with up-and-coming artists.

The focus of its own collection is modern sculptural glass art of the 20th and 21st centuries. This includes cast and ground works from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, for example by Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová, Václav Cigler or Bohumil Eliáš, as well as Dutch studio glass by Sybren Valkema, Andries Copier, Richard Meitner and the Heesen family. It is complemented by action paintings by Sam Francis, surreal paintings by Hans Kanters and sculptures by Ossip Zadkine, Harry Bertoia and Jan Verschoor.

Highlights

• One of the leading collections of modern glass art in the Netherlands
• Paintings by Sam Francis in dialogue with glass objects
• Sculptures by Ossip Zadkine, Harry Bertoia and Jan Verschoor
• Czech and Slovak glass art by Libenský, Brychtová and Cigler
• JAN JUNIOR search game and workshops for children
• Location in the Oude Dorp of Amstelveen with free parking

Permanent exhibition

• Vaste collectie glaskunst – Modern sculptural glass art from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Netherlands, complemented by studio glass and paintings by Sam Francis.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Stichting Jan van der Togt

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart, ICOM, Vereniging Rembrandt, Amstelveenpas and Aalsmeerpas. The VriendenLoterij card is not accepted as proof of admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is largely accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; only the upper hall cannot be reached by wheelchair, and the Koffiecorner is behind a few steps. A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed; reservation by email is recommended.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Under the name JAN JUNIOR there are workshops and a free search game through the collection with a drawing task (available at the ticket desk); in a school building next to the museum children can paint, draw and make objects. A drawing table is also available.

Getting there & parking

From the A9 take exit 5 (Amstelveen) and follow the signs “Oude Dorp” and “Museum JAN”; because of roadworks on the A9 the museum recommends following your satnav. From Amstelveen bus station it is about a 15-minute walk via Oudekerkerlaan and Dorpsstraat.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

On Sundays the Koffiecorner serves coffee with freshly baked pastries from Lunchroom La Gare; on other days you help yourself to coffee or tea. Museum shop with glassware, art books and gifts, also accessible without an admission ticket.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 350 guests.

Exhibition rooms (335 m²) for receptions of up to 350 people standing or up to 120 seated, Mondays 9 a.m.–midnight and Tuesdays to Sundays from 5 p.m.; the Koffiecorner with terrace can be hired daily 9 a.m.–midnight. Catering by partners, fully equipped kitchen available.

Plan your visit