Ton Smits Huis

About the museum

The museum is dedicated to the Eindhoven painter and cartoonist Ton Smits (1921–1981), who became known for his cartoons in American newspapers and magazines. In the mid-1950s he had his studio home designed by his friend, the architect Fons Vermeulen; construction began in 1956. The detached house on the edge of Eindhoven-Zuid is regarded as one of the museum houses recognised by the Nederlands Architectuur Instituut.

After Smits's death, the Stichting Ton Smits was founded in June 1982 to preserve his artistic estate and make it accessible. At the end of 1983 the house opened as a museum; the former studio became the exhibition space. In 2009 the museum was officially entered in the Museum Register, and in 2012 the building was renovated and largely restored to the state in which Smits worked there.

The collection comprises around 20,000 original cartoons and pencil sketches as well as several hundred paintings. Alongside changing exhibitions on the work of Ton Smits, the house occasionally also shows other artists; a film explains the artist's way of working and thinking, and a guide offers explanations on request. Visits are currently possible by appointment.

Highlights

• The artist's original studio home (architect Fons Vermeulen, 1956)
• Around 20,000 cartoons and sketches as well as several hundred paintings
• Film about Ton Smits's way of working and thinking
• Museum house on the edge of the Genneper Parken

Permanent exhibition

• Atelierwohnung von Ton Smits – The former studio is set up as an exhibition space and shows cartoons, sketches and paintings by the artist; the house was largely restored in 2012 to the state in which Smits worked there.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Stichting Ton Smits

Admission & discounts

Cash only, please with the exact amount if possible (no card payments). The Museumkaart and annual museum passes are not valid. With the Friends' patron card, admission is free for the cardholder and one companion; donors also receive free admission with one companion.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

The exhibition space can only be reached by a staircase and is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

A cartoon workshop is offered for secondary school classes; the shop sells children's T-shirts and books with Engeltje comics.

Getting there & parking

The house is located on the corner of Jacob Reviuslaan and Herman Heijermanslaan on the edge of the Genneper Parken. By car, take exit 33 (Waalre/Valkenswaard) off the N2 towards Eindhoven, turn left at the third traffic light into the Poelhekkelaan, and at the end turn right into the Jacob Reviuslaan. The cycle route "Rondje Eindhoven Zuid-Westlus" passes directly by the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books by and about Ton Smits, postcards with his paintings and cartoons, and children's T-shirts (while stocks last).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit