Singer Laren is unique, cultural heritage in private ownership. It consists of a museum, theater, villa and sculpture garden.
William and Anna Singer
Museum Singer Laren has a surprising and diverse collection of international visual art from the period 1880 to 1950. This ‘classic modern’ collection has given the museum the freedom to set up a wide exhibition policy. This collection was set up by the American couple Anna and William Singer, who received many friends in their villa in Laren. There were often artists among these friends. Anna and William themselves were also creatively talented. Anna played the piano and William painted. Together, they have collected an impressive art collection. Anna had the museum built after the death of her husband William.
Collection of Museum Singer Laren
The heart of the ‘Singer collection’ is the collection of the Singer couple. Over the course of the last century, they acquired works by French painters from the Barbizon School, friendly American artists and traditionally impressionist Gooise artists.
The collection of Museum Singer Laren focuses on works of art from modernism, such as neo-impressionism or pointillism, expressionism, cubism and geometric abstraction. Important artists who belong to these movements have worked in Laren and surroundings. The collection now includes works by, among others, Bart van der Leck, Jan Sluijters, Leo Gestel, Chris Beekman, Jan Toorop and Herman Kruyder.
Sculpture garden
The sculpture garden, which is freely accessible, was designed by the internationally renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf and is decorated with sculptures by contemporary Dutch artists who investigate the relationship between culture and nature. Each work of art establishes a connection with nature in its own way.
"Singer Laren is, in the spirit of the founder, the place where the arts come together, where we celebrate the arts." Jan Rudolph de Lorm, museum director
Click here for information about current and future exhibitions
Laren
Though small, Laren has a lot to offer visitors, including charming streets, abundant nature and fascinating museums. A walk around Laren makes it easy to see why the town has inspired so many artists throughout the ages.
A small town with a big reputation
Laren is a real hidden gem: a quiet town which offers visitors the chance to explore amazing history, Dutch tradition and stunning scenery. Part of the Het Gooi region (known for its spectacular green landscapes), after starting as a farming village it became a base for artists from around the world during the 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, Laren became so well known as a paradise for artists that soon painters from across the world took notice. Iconic artists as Max Liebermann, Piet Mondriaan, Maurits Cornelis Escher and Jan Sluijters came to Laren.
