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Aboriginal Art Museum in Utrecht
AAMU is a unique museum in the centre of Utrecht which exhibits contemporary Aboriginal art from Australia. It is the only museum of its kind in Europe that is exclusively dedicated to Aboriginal visual arts and culture. |
The Aboriginal Art museum is located on the Oudegracht canal and is not far from Utrecht's famous Dom tower. This private museum opened its doors in 2001.
The museum is housed over 3 floors. The ground floor contains a small auditorium which shows an introductory film (Dutch but with English subtitles) about the museum and on the origins of aboriginal art. It mentions the various styles of art from different regions of Australia which can be seen in the museum's permanent collection on the top floor.
These include bark paintings from Arnhemland, paintings from the Kimberleys and central desert area, pole sculptures of Aurukun and more contemporary paintings and photos from metropolitan Australia.
The 1st floor area is used for temporary exhibitions which changes 2-3 times per year and often features Aboriginal influences on Western artists. The top floor also has a children's workshop area with some interesting maps on show.
There is a conservatory cafe on the ground floor selling drinks and snacks plus a small outside terrace garden. The museum shop next to the entrance sells books, posters, postcards and Aboriginal items such as boomerangs and didgeridoos. The adjoining museum gallery store sells authentic Aboriginal art pieces sourced either from art co-operatives or directly from artists.
To sum, an enjoyable visit particularly if you have interest in Australia and Aboriginal culture. The collection on show is perhaps a bit on the light side and can be seen entirely in 10-15 minutes - which for €8 entry fee may leave some a little disappointed. It would also be good to have more English information on display rather than using laminated hand-out sheets.
Aboriginal Art Museum Essential Info Opening Times: Tue-Fri 1000-1700, Sat & Sun 1100-1700. Closed Mon. Admission Prices (2011): Adults €8, 65+/children 4-12 €5. FREE entry to children 0-3 and Museumcard holders. Guided tours can be arranged in Dutch or English for an additional €50 - maximum group size of 25. Getting There: Oudegracht is right in the heart of the centre and the museum is a 15 minute walk from the station. Alternatively take GVU bus 2 to Domplein, just behind the museum. Our Rating:
AAMU Aboriginal Art Museum, Oudegracht 176, Utrecht |
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