Museum Murals

20 museums, 20 street artists, 20 walls

Initiated by the Mauritshuis, a truly special street art project, Museum Murals, kicked off in 2024. Across the Netherlands, 20 street artists created new large-scale artworks on 20 walls, inspired by a painting, object, or story from the collections of 20 different museums. From Texel to Heerlen and from Groningen to Ouwerkerk, in the midst of a residential area, on an old factory wall, or along the tracks: The Museum Murals bring art closer.

Why are we doing this?

In 2022, the Mauritshuis celebrated its 200th anniversary as a museum. This milestone was marked with grand projects centered around 200 years of inspiration. One of these projects was Mauritshuis Murals: five muralists (from both the Netherlands and abroad) drew inspiration from five paintings in the museum's collection and created colorful murals on various walls in neighborhoods across The Hague.

The success of this project naturally left us wanting more, so we aimed to turn it into a nationwide initiative. How amazing would it be if the entire Netherlands were adorned with impressive street art? Thanks to the participants of the VriendenLoterij, this dream is now a reality.

In 2025, the project was completed: 20 street artists created life-sized artworks inspired by a painting, object, or story from the collections of 20 different museums. From Texel to Heerlen and from Groningen to Ouwerkerk, whether in the middle of a residential neighborhood, on an old factory wall, or along the railway. Museum Murals bring art closer to the public.

Partners

The VriendenLoterij

Museum Murals is made possible by the participants of the VriendenLoterij.

The VriendenLoterij supports organizations in the fields of culture, sports, and welfare that strive to make daily happiness possible for everyone. Participants can choose which organization or institution they want to support and have the chance to win attractive prizes. A minimum of 40% of the ticket price goes to 57 cultural partners and almost 3,500 charities, clubs, and associations. Participants also get to experience what they help make possible every day with their VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART. The card provides free access to over 145 museums and offers up to 50% discount on numerous day and night activities, from cinema and dance to musicals, zoos, and opera. Thanks to the participants, the VriendenLoterij has donated over €2.1 billion since 1989.

LUSTR
Thanks to LUSTR for organizing this project, with Peter Ernst Coolen as artistic advisor.

And of course, also a huge thanks to the partner museums, the artists, and everyone else involved for making this amazing project a success!