The practical side of a sleepover in a museum: ‘What was at first sight a flyerrek turned out to be a contemporary work of art’ – De Morgen

Experiencing Art Beyond the Walls: A night at the Museum

Imagine stepping into a museum, not as a visitor browsing exhibits, but as an overnight guest immersed in the art itself. This is the captivating concept behind “One Night in the Museum,” a unique program offered by Sint-Janshospitaalmuseum in Bruges, Belgium. Participants experience the museum transformed,blurring the lines between viewer adn participant,creating a deeper connection with art.

From Flyerrek to Contemporary Masterpiece: Unexpected Discoveries

“What was at first sight a flyerrek turned out to be a contemporary work of art,” recounts an anonymous employee involved in the program, highlighting the element of surprise woven into the experience. These unexpected encounters, navigating the museum beyond traditional viewing hours, reveal hidden layers and provoke fresh perspectives.

Herman Brusselmans, renowned Belgian writer, participated in “One Night in the Museum” for Canvas, a Belgian television program. “This brings the love of art to the living room,” he stated, emphasizing the program’s accessibility and potential to inspire wider engagement with art. Brusselmans, known for his unique outlook on contemporary culture, experienced firsthand how the intimate setting fosters a deeper understanding of the artwork.

Slow Art: Immersing in the Experience

Bart De Baere, curator at M HKA, emphasizes the concept of “Slow Art” inherent in this unique program. “This is Slow Art in its purest form,” he notes,highlighting how extended exposure allows viewers to truly absorb the details,nuances,and emotions embedded within the artwork. This intentional pace encourages reflection, contemplation, and a genuine connection with the artistic expression.

The experience transcends mere visual gratitude. Participants engage with art thru guided tours, artist talks, and interactive installations, enriching their understanding beyond the surface. These immersive activities foster dialog, critical thinking, and personal interpretations, transforming a passive viewing into an active exploration.

A Call to Break Boundaries

“One Night in the Museum” challenges traditional museum norms, pushing boundaries and creating a space where art comes alive. By inviting participants to engage beyond typical exhibition hours,it fosters a sense of ownership,curiosity,and wonder. These experiences demonstrate the transformative power of art, proving that museums are not just repositories of history, but vibrant spaces for exploration, finding, and personal growth.

Are you ready to step outside the confines of traditional museum visits? Explore upcoming “One Night in the Museum” events at Sint-Janshospitaalmuseum and immerse yourself in a world where art transcends boundaries and comes alive.

How does “One Night in the Museum” encourage the concept of “Slow Art” and extended exposure to allow viewers to truly absorb the artwork?

Experiencing Art beyond the Walls: A Conversation with izb zément Art Curator, Dr.Amelia Hart

We sat down with Dr. Amelia Hart, respected art curator and advocate for innovative museum experiences, to discuss the innovative “One Night in the Museum” program offered by Sint-Janshospitaalmuseum in Bruges, Belgium. This unique initiative blurs the lines between viewer and participant, fostering a deeper connection with art.

From Flyerrek to Contemporary Masterpiece: Unexpected Discoveries

Archyde: Dr. hart, could you tell us about a moment when a participant made an unexpected finding that changed their viewpoint on a piece of art?

dr. Hart: Indeed, the element of surprise is a meaningful part of the “One Night in the Museum” experience. Last year,a participant initially dismissed a piece as merely a ‘flyerrek’ – a flyer holder. But as they spent more time with it,they realized it was a contemporary art installation designed to challenge preconceived notions about function and art. This unexpected discovery gave them a new perspective, revealing the depth and nuance of the artwork.

Slow Art: Immersing in the Experience

Archyde: You’ve mentioned that this program encourages the concept of “Slow Art.” Could you elaborate on how extended exposure allows viewers to truly absorb the artwork?

Dr. Hart: Absolutely. “Slow Art” is about taking the time to truly engage with a piece, letting it resonate with you. When participants spend the night in the museum, they have the prospect to observe art under different lighting, in various states of mind, and sometimes even in different states of undress – as in the case of our interactive installations. This immersive experience allows them to appreciate the intricate details, nuances, and emotions embedded within the artwork, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

A Call to Break Boundaries

Archyde: How does “One Night in the Museum” challenge conventional museum norms and create a space where art comes alive?

dr. Hart: By inviting participants to engage beyond typical exhibition hours, we foster a sense of ownership and curiosity. The museum transforms from a static repository of art into a dynamic space for exploration, discovery, and personal growth.We encourage participants to ask questions, share their interpretations, and even challenge the art themselves, breaking the traditional boundaries of a museum visit.

Archyde: If you could leave our readers with one thought, what would it be?

Dr. Hart: Remember, art is not just something to be seen and admired from afar. It’s an interactive, personal experience. So, the next time you find yourself in a museum, don’t just walk by – engage, question, feel. Let the art come alive for you.

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