Highlights from the collection were always displayed in the museum but since the building closed for renovation, they have been stored in the Depot. To celebrate their 175th anniversary, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen is showing the most beautiful paintings, along with some sculptures and objects. Some have been among the most beloved pieces in the collection since the museum opened 175 years ago. These include A Cornfield by Jacob van Ruisdael, which was part of Frans Boijmans’ collection. Other highlights were acquired in 1958 as part of the collection of D.G. van Beuningen. In addition to these two men who gave their names to the museum, many others have contributed to the collection, such as Marie Tak van Poortvliet. She bequeathed Wassily Kandinsky’s painting Lyrical in 1936, supplying a corner stone piece for the modern art collection.
Over the past years, visitors have chosen their favourite works from the collection. Their choices have been taken into account. What constitutes a highlight is not fixed forever: a beloved work can fall out of favour. Conversely, a work that has languished in storage for years can be rediscovered. Most of the paintings in this selection have captured the public’s imagination for generations, but there are also works that the public has barely had a chance to see: will they become the most beloved works in the future?