The Dutch Museum Association () is an association of museums in the Netherlands. Over five hundred museums are affiliated with the association.
History In 1926, the Museumvereniging was established as a meeting of museum directors in the Netherlands. In 2003, the Museumkaart foundation was integrated into the Dutch Museum Association organisation. In 2006, the Museumvereniging became an umbrella organisation for the Dutch museums organised into ten subject-specific areas. The Association of National Museums, for example, is included within the Museumvereniging umbrella. Irene Asscher-Vonk is the first president of the Museumvereniging. On February 27, 2026—the year marking the association's centenary—the Museum Association received the designation 'Royal'. The designation was presented to Vera Carasso, Director of the Museum Association and the Museum Card Foundation, by Mr. J.C.J. (Jelle) Beemsterboer, Acting King's Commissioner for the province of North Holland.
The anniversary year saw the publication of the first-ever book about the Museum Association. It outlines the association’s history from the personal and deeply engaged perspective of author Marjan Scharloo, who spent over thirty years involved in both museum leadership and the association’s governance. The result is a rich, multi-layered account of an organization that—after a hesitant start and a process of trial and error—grew into an indispensable entity for the museums themselves and for the societal context in which they operate.
Activities De Museumvereniging focuses on advocacy and professional development of its members and promotes museum visits. It facilitates the Stichting Museumregister Nederland ('the Dutch Museum Register'), which facilitates recognition of the status of these museums. The Dutch Museum Association also facilitates the Ethical Code Commission for Museums. Additionally, the Dutch Museum Association is responsible for the Foundation of the Museumkaart. Approximately 400 of the 500 Dutch Museum Association members are participants in the Museumkaart Foundation, meaning that they accept the Museumkaart. The Dutch Museum Association also organises the Dutch Museumweekend.
Members Museums are the members of the association.There are over 490 members and twice a year new members are welcomed, and some leave. An actual memberslist can be found on Museumvereniging.nl
References Museumvereniging.nl
External links Dutch Museum Association, official website
Association of state monuments: https://www.derijksmusea.nl/