Museum People
Every Sunday morning, I wake up and pull myself out of bed to get to the Van Abbe museum. I volunteer there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. Volunteering was my first step toward bringing routine back into my life. After moving to the Netherlands a year ago, I worked from home. The isolation and loneliness affected me in more than one way. This was supposed to be something to get me out of bed and force some human interaction into my life. And oh, it became so much more than that.
Art Through Other Eyes
I have always loved museums — art, culture, natural history, and even quirky object-specific ones. But this routine helped me see a new aspect of the museum. Visiting every week, you start noticing countless details in the art, finding new interpretations, and seeing new exhibits. More surprisingly, you notice the people.
Fundamentally, I knew that — but seeing it before my eyes was something else entirely. I saw how art brings people closer together, how people of different ages interact with it, and how different people are captivated by different pieces.
When you start a conversation with them, you get to hear what they think. Most of the time, it’s something you’ve never heard before. It gives you a new perspective on the art you see every week. It’s absolutely fascinating.
Types of Museum People
In my months of going there, I started to notice a pattern — specific “types” of people — and began making a list, mostly for my own amusement.
I decided to turn this into a small zine — a mini piece of art of my own — as an homage to my Sunday friends.
Here is a list of people who didn’t make it into the zine
Wanderers – those who simply walk through the exhibits.
Art Exhibit Duo – the funky and colourful.
Teenager Dates – first dates, clearly a little awkward.
New to Town – exploring their new hometown.
Killing Time Before a Train – visitors with luggage in tow.
And here is the people who did:
