Annual Reports

From collection to collective

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar connects people, art and history. The museum does so with an open view to the world, but distinguishes itself by always seeking a connection with its own collection and with the DNA of Alkmaar and the surrounding region in its collection policy and programming. The museum's three program lines - old masters from the 16th and 17th centuries, early 20th century art from the Bergen School and cultural-historical themes - are used to create a versatile range of exhibitions and presentations for a wide and diverse audience.

Vision

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar has the task of collecting, managing and presenting objects, and in the process gathering and sharing knowledge about the collection. That task will always remain. However conservative this core task may be, museums are also children of their time and subject to the spirit of the times. As a public institution, therefore, we must literally and figuratively move with the times. This is especially true in the current era. We live in a complex time full of uncertainties and threats to the future. The diversity of society has increased rapidly, the gap between (opportunity) poor and (opportunity) rich has grown enormously. Oppositions have sharpened, the debate has polarized. The different population groups increasingly live in their own bubble and hardly ever meet. In the absence of collectivity, there is a great search for identity.
Especially in these complex times, museums add value and play an important role in creating closeness. As a safe, collective place where there is room for getting to know and meeting the other. Where the collection can be used not as an end, but as a means. Our museum is the place where we practice how to deal with the world, where we can experiment, try and work together. Where we let our visitors look differently, learn from each other and where there is room for beauty and nuance, for wonder and inspiration.
If we want to fulfill this role, we will have to become more accessible and, with firm roots in local society, actually reach and connect with a broad and diverse audience. For Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, this will be the most important task in the coming years.

Mission

Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar's mission is to introduce, inspire and connect a broad and diverse audience to the art, culture and history of Alkmaar and the surrounding region. The museum plays a social role in connecting people and groups in a divided society.

In fulfilling the mission, we are guided by five core values:

1. Curious
   We are open in the world and curious about insights, knowledge, backgrounds and motives.
2. Concerned
   We are committed to our environment, to our work and to each other.
3. Hospitable 
   We want everyone to feel welcome and seen in the museum.
4. Professional
   In all areas, we work to the highest professional standards.
5. Ambitious
   We set high goals that inspire and drive us.