Museum as Sundial

What if a museum could work like a sundial? That is the question behind Museum as Sundial, the big autumn and winter exhibition of the Van Abbemuseum. From 17 October 2026 to 21 February 2027, the museum treats its own historic building as a giant instrument for measuring time and light.

A building made for the sun

The idea is not as strange as it sounds. The old building of the Van Abbemuseum, designed by Alexander Kropholler and opened in 1936, was built about ninety years ago with the sun in mind: the light falls through the building in a carefully planned way. For this exhibition, director Defne Ayas and the museum team take that idea further. They present the sundial both as an ancient technology and as a contemporary design idea, and explore how people orient themselves, through their bodies, their buildings and their communities, in relation to the sun.

The central gallery of the old building is the point of orientation, with the surrounding galleries extending outward like the markings on a dial. As you walk through the exhibition, you are invited to notice how light, time and space change around you.

The artists

Museum as Sundial brings together artists, designers and collectives from different generations and backgrounds, including:

• Ana María Millán
• ADEZIV Network
• EDHV
• Kiki & Joost
• Adele Dipasquale
• Gala Porras-Kim
• Michael Portnoy
• Paul Panhuysen
• Ayumi Paul
• Ei Arakawa-Nash
• John Körmeling

The spatial design is by Studio Diogo Passarinho, the graphic design by Studio Remco van Bladel, and the architectural installation The Fifth Place is by Christian Wassmann. Several of the names have a strong link with Eindhoven: Paul Panhuysen was a key figure in the city's experimental art and music scene, and John Körmeling is known for playful architecture and public art.

Opening and activities

The exhibition opens on Saturday 17 October, the first day of Dutch Design Week, from 14:00 to 18:00. On the opening day you can also take part in Become Part of The Fifth Place, an activity by Michael Portnoy. On Saturday 28 November, Ei Arakawa-Nash gives performances at several moments during the day. Keep an eye on the museum's activities page for talks, tours and other events during the run of the exhibition.

Tickets and opening hours

The exhibition is included in a regular museum ticket.

• Adults: €16.
• Students, CJP card and Teacher Card holders: €8.
• Children under 13: free.
• Family pass (2 adults and up to 3 children): €32.
• Free: with a Museumkaart, and for everyone on Tuesdays from 15:00 to 17:00.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays. During the run of the exhibition the museum is also closed on 25 December and 1 January, and open on 26 December. During Dutch Design Week the museum is one of the DDW locations; check ddw.nl for the conditions during that week.

Why go?

Museum as Sundial is a chance to see the old Van Abbemuseum building in a new light, quite literally. Visit on a sunny winter afternoon, when the low sun casts long shadows through the galleries, and you will understand why the museum chose this theme. The exhibition is in English and Dutch, so it is easy to follow for international visitors.

Getting there

The Van Abbemuseum is at Stratumsedijk 2, about fifteen minutes' walk from Eindhoven Centraal. The bus stop Bilderdijklaan is a minute's walk away, and there is bike parking next to the main entrance.

See our museums guide and all culture and exhibitions in Eindhoven.