Collection
Collection
The University Medical Center Utrecht started collecting art in the late 1980s. Since then, the hospital has collected innovative, contemporary art by artists living and/or working in the Netherlands.
Artworks are purchased from leading artists who are at the top of the Dutch art field and from promising young talent.
Location UMC Utrecht
During the construction of the University Medical Center Utrecht in the 1980s, the so-called 1% rule (by law, 1% of the construction sum had to be spent on art) led to the building of an art collection. In keeping with the view of the time, it was decided to incorporate the works of art as much as possible into the architecture. With 28 artworks, executed by 18 artists, this is one of the most extensive projects in the Netherlands in the field of integrated art. In addition to these so-called integrated artworks, UMC Utrecht chose graphics as the starting point for its art collection.
Acquiring works on paper, paintings and photographs began in the mid-1990s. The collection of three-dimensional sculptures in various materials (textile, ceramic, wood, metal and glass) also began. These sculptures can be found in the long display cases in the Noorderpassage.
Location Hijmans van den Bergh building
In the fall of 2005, the new housing of the Medical Faculty, the Hijmans van den Bergh building, was inaugurated. The artworks in this unusual building by architect Erick van Egeraat form a small, self-contained collection. Given the striking use of materials, the bright color schemes and the student population, photography is chosen primarily. The artist Cyrith Wyn Evans was commissioned to create a fitting work of art (triptych). The most striking part of this is the large chandelier hanging in the restaurant of the same name.
Location Wilhelmina Children's Hospital
The Wilhelmina Children´s Hospital in the Uithof (now called: Utrecht Science Park) was put into operation in 1998. At the time, artists were commissioned to create works of art that fit the nature and function of the building and connect with the world of children. Preference was given to the use of contemporary visual media, such as new media and interactive art. This so-called "Art with a plug" introduces children to art in a contemporary and playful way.
