Longing for Egmond

From inspiration to artists' village

June 28 to November 2, 2025

Egmond, located a stone's throw from Alkmaar, proved to be an irresistible destination for artists throughout the centuries. They were attracted by the varied landscape: the sea, dunes and polders.

In addition, the striking ruins of the once influential abbey and the castle of the Counts of Holland were sources of inspiration for seventeenth-century artists such as Jacob van Ruisdael and Meindert Hobbema. At the end of the nineteenth century, picturesque Egmond - actually consisting of three villages, Egmond aan Zee, Egmond-Binnen and Egmond aan den Hoef - was rediscovered. American artists Gari Melchers and George Hitchcock settled amidst the locals in the unspoiled fishing village. In sparkling colors and with great detail, they recorded the life and rituals of the people and the landscape. Internationally, both artists quickly achieved success with these paintings. Nevertheless, hardly any works by these artists have survived in Europe.

In the summer of 2025, Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar will bring seventeenth- and nineteenth-century performances back together in the region in which they originated.

Practical information 
The exhibition opens on June 28, 2025, at 11:00 am. The last day to view this exhibition at Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar is November 2, 2025.