Charley Toorop & Edgar Fernhout: Artists in Bergen

A unique look at the growth, quest, and renewal of Charley Toorop and Edgar Fernhout.

On display from November 27, 2026

Step into the world of Charley Toorop and her son Edgar Fernhout. In this new permanent exhibition, you will be taken on a journey through the development of their work and discover how the North Holland landscape and the artists' village of Bergen were a lasting source of inspiration. Through their unique painting styles, both mother and son left their mark on Dutch art history in their own distinct ways.

The Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar manages a select but special collection of works by these two artists. In this new permanent exhibition, you will follow their artistic development through the years. From Charley Toorop's early, colorful paintings to her impressive last self-portrait. Edgar Fernhout's development as an artist is also strongly represented in this exhibition: from his refined realistic work to his fascinating transition to abstraction.

The exhibition shows how mother and son each followed their own path, while their connection to Bergen as a source of inspiration remains visible. Together, their works tell a story of renewal, experimentation, and personal expression.

The new hall seamlessly connects to our permanent exhibition of the Bergen School artists, the first expressionists in the Netherlands. Works by Charley Toorop are also displayed here, allowing visitors to gain a better understanding of her role within this important artistic circle.