Since its opening in mid-April, the exhibition “Jo Koster, Artist” has continued to draw crowds to Gouda. The exhibition’s 50,000th visitor was surprised with a bouquet of flowers this week. Thanks to Jo Koster, thousands of people are discovering the city for the first time.
Visitors Kitty and Els from Utrecht were surprised by museum director Femke Haijtema with flowers, a gift package, and a slice of cake at the Museum Café. The women from Utrecht came to Gouda specifically for Jo Koster; one of them had never even been to the city before. “I always love hearing that,” says Haijtema. It doesn’t surprise her. “We know from audience surveys that 80% of visitors come to the city specifically for Jo Koster. That means 40,000 extra day-trippers, who often combine their museum visit with a bite to eat and a drink or an afternoon of shopping. Of those, 20% are visiting Gouda for the first time. And that’s all thanks to Koster’s beautiful works of art!”
Inspiring and Adventurous
Artist Jo Koster (1868–1944) carved out her own path against the grain. She earned her own living, built her own home, and traveled throughout Europe. Above all, she dedicated her life to her art. The beautiful paintings and drawings at Museum Gouda show how she continued to develop and used various techniques to create distinctive portraits and colorful landscapes. Koster kept painting, even after she lost sight in one eye. Especially for blind and visually impaired visitors, the museum has therefore developed a program that includes a tactile painting. Families can also embark on their own journey in the footsteps of Jo Koster using a special kit.
Jo Koster, Artist can be seen until the end of the Christmas holidays. The exhibition is made possible in part by the Mondriaan Fund, Fonds 21, and the Cultuurfonds, with additional support from the Dubbel Breed Fund and the Straver Fund.
Visitors to Museum Gouda with director Femke Haijtema (right).
Photo: Lima Photography.
