Museum Valse Kunst

About the museum

The museum grew out of the private collection of Henk and Erna Plenter. Henk was a passionate collector of paintings and prints, while Erna was enthusiastic about contemporary glass art. When the walls of their home in Bilthoven were full, they decided to found a museum and found the right place in Vledder's former municipal building. In 1998 "Museums Vledder" opened there with collections of prints, glass art, art from Drenthe and paintings.

Among the works hung a few pieces that later turned out to be forgeries, such as a fake Matisse that was exposed after the arrest of the forger Geert Jan Jansen. The press reported mainly on this, and Henk Plenter immersed himself in the world of art forgery. Visitors increasingly brought along doubtful works for assessment, and many donated them to the museum. In this way the collection of forged art grew into the largest and most distinctive part of the museum.

After Henk Plenter's death in 2010, the non-profit Stichting Museums Vledder continues to run the museum. Today the exhibition includes forgeries and their stories, a collection of European glass art after 1945 (including the "Goto del Maestro" trial glasses), works by artists from Drenthe such as Louis Roessingh, the room "Plenters Passie", a children's studio and an art library. The museum is part of the "Schatkamers van Zuidwest-Drenthe".

Highlights

• Collection of art forgeries with the stories of the forgers, including a fake Rietveld chair
• Contemporary European glass art after 1945, including "Goto del Maestro" trial glasses
• Works by Drenthe artists such as Louis Roessingh and Jan Wiegers
• Children's studio and puzzle tour for children aged 4 to 12
• Museum shop and art library

Permanent exhibitions

• Valse Kunst – Collection of art forgeries explaining the motives and tricks of famous forgers such as Han van Meegeren and Geert Jan Jansen.
• Echte Kunst – Plenters Passie – Room on the origins of the collections of glass art, art from Drenthe and prints belonging to the Plenter family.
• Hedendaagse glaskunst – European glass art after 1945 from several countries, including unusual techniques and the "Goto del Maestro" trial glasses.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Stichting Museums Vledder

Admission & discounts

Parking at the museum is free. Guided tours are included in the admission price.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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

Most exhibition rooms, the museum shop and the library are on the ground floor and accessible by wheelchair. The upper floor with two exhibition rooms and the children's studio can be reached by a stairlift. People with disabilities can be dropped off directly in front of the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

In the children's studio on the upper floor, children help paint the mural about Karel Appel; all materials are provided. Children aged 4 to 12 can take part in a free puzzle tour with a reward, and colouring and activity booklets "Vals ABC" are available at the ticket desk.

Getting there & parking

From Overijssel and Friesland take the A32, exit 6 (Steenwijk, Vledder); from Groningen and Drenthe take the N381 towards Diever and Vledder. The museum is located on the Brink.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Coffee and apple pie; museum shop with glass objects, jewellery, postcards and art books, also accessible without admission.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit