Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands Art Collection, National art collection in Amersfoort, Netherlands
The Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands operates a large digital database bringing together artworks and historical objects from many Dutch museums and institutions. The collection includes paintings, furniture, ceramics, films, and many other object types that represent Dutch heritage.
The collection grew from many Dutch institutions and was shaped by the Second World War, when numerous objects were taken to Germany and later returned. Today these recovered pieces form an important part of the national repository.
The collection shows how Dutch people lived and created across different periods, displaying everything from household items to artistic works that reflect changing tastes. Walking through the digital collection reveals the values and interests that shaped Dutch society.
The collection is accessible online through a website where you can search and explore objects for free. Some advanced features require registration, but basic searching is available to anyone with internet access.
The collection preserves illustrations from historical Dutch school textbooks, showing how educational materials and their design changed over time. These documents offer a glimpse into how Dutch education and visual culture evolved.
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