The SCHUNCK collection: an impression
29 September 2025 to 1 March 2026
During the exhibition Rooted in Change, you can discover the story behind the SCHUNCK Collection in the Art Depot, a collection driven by renewal, much like the city of Heerlen itself. Here, you’ll see how artworks challenge and complement one another, from regional pioneers to artists of (inter)national renown.
Where
SCHUNCK Glaspaleis
Price
€ 0,-
In the 1950s, the municipality of Heerlen decided to establish a public art collection, aiming to align with developments in painting after World War II. With the idea that a collection carries “its own signature” shaped by local circumstances, regional artists have held an important place in the collection from the very beginning. Works by the so-called Amsterdam Limburgers, such as Pieter Defesche, Lei Molin and Frans Nols, form the foundation of the Heerlen art collection.
Focus on regional artists
The emphasis on regional artists has remained central to the collection’s further development, as acquisitions of works by Hadassah Emmerich, Romy Finke, Joost van Haaften, Dean Kisters, Rik Meijers and Aline Thomassen demonstrate. Over the years, the focus expanded beyond painting — exploring new materials, techniques, and concepts and further into photography, three-dimensional works, and video.
An Interactive Look Inside the Art Depot
The Art Depot makes the collection permanently accessible to the public. You can explore changing thematic presentations and decide for yourself which racks to open — and thus which works to view. The depot consists of three spaces with racks, each featuring its own exhibition. The display is regularly updated, so every visit offers a new experience. Admission is free.
Practical Information
- When: on view daily from 29 September 2025 to 1 March 2026
- Where: SCHUNCK Glaspaleis
- Admission: free of charge
- Good to know: the selection changes regularly.
This activity is part of the Year of Heerlen's Heritage. In 2025, numerous activities and events will be organized in Heerlen to make its heritage visible or tangible once again.