For most members of the group of about twelve this visit to the museum was a first. Chin Shi Yao, a Master student of Chemical Engineering: “I’m here for the building itself. I heard it was very special, but I’ve never been here before, so I don’t know what to expect.” Together with Ondrej Svacina, a Czech Master student of Chemical Engineering, the Singaporean TU/e staff member first visits the exhibition ‘Forms of Resistance’: a collection of audiovisual materials, newspaper clippings and works of art from various periods of resistance. The exhibition shows the connection between the resistance and art through the years. “It’s very interesting to see how art has evolved in different ways throughout the years”, says Svacina.
The Czech student is surprised by the diversity of the museum: “On the first floor you can learn about art history, on the second floor you can admire a Picasso.” In addition to six different exhibitions, the museum has a substantial permanent collection on display. This great diversity meets with mixed appreciation: “A little bit too fragmented to my taste”, says the Fin Risto Koivunen, who is visiting BEST Eindhoven as an international student member of BEST: “No lack of space, but a lack of focus.”
The group does not only devote attention to the exhibitions, but also to the building itself. “The museum consists of many hallways, passages and exposition spaces. It reminds me of a labyrinth. This is very appealing to me”, says Qonita Shahab, a student of Technology Management. Chin Shi Yao is also impressed by the architecture of the museum: “The building is an artwork on its own. It’s a good combination of old and new architecture.” A folder from the information desk informs visitors that the old section of the Van Abbe dates back to 1936 and was designed by the architect A.J. Kropholler. In 2003 the museum was reopened after it had been drastically renovated and expanded, which made the exhibition space four times as large.
Most members of the group leave the museum with a positive impression. It remains to be seen whether they will visit the Van Abbe more often, though. Chin Shi Yao: “It depends, if they change the exhibitions maybe I will visit again. If I get the time.”/.

Van Abbemuseum, Bilderdijklaan 10, Eindhoven. For more information see www.vanabbemuseum.nl.
Until 31 December 2008 the museum may be visited free of charge on Thursday nights from 17.00 to 21.00 hours.