“Teekenen is spreken en schrijven tegelijk.” These words from Victor de Stuers above the entrance to the Oefenschool encapsulate the spirit of the Teekenschool. The Teekenschool is a former school building nestled in the garden of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Today, it stands as a vibrant center for art education.
The Teekenschool opened its doors in 1892. Pierre Cuypers designed it. His aim was practical. He wanted future drawing teachers from the Rijksnormaalschool voor Teekenonderwijzers to gain hands-on experience. They needed to learn how to teach drawing.
In 1924, the school underwent a transformation. It became the Rijksinstituut tot Opleiding van Teekenleeraren. The entire program moved from the Rijksmuseum’s attic to this dedicated school building. This expansion marked a significant step in art education.
However, in 1966, the Teekenschool’s educational role shifted. Art education moved to the Rietveldacademie. The building found new purposes. After the Rijksmuseum’s renovation, the Teekenschool reclaimed its educational destiny. It now hosts workshops for children and adults. The Koninklijk Oudheidkundig Genootschap also has its offices here.
Interestingly, the Teekenschool’s history has some hidden depths. During a time of potential siege, the Ministry of War used the cellars to construct water basins. These were meant for emergency water storage. They were part of Amsterdam’s defense system. The garden even had ponds for this purpose, though they are now gone.
Another curious detail involves the chapel of Warmenhuizen. The building has a choir extension on the south side along the Hobbemakade. Inside were ceiling paintings. They came from the Oude Ursulakerk in Warmenhuizen. Their relocation in 1890 sparked national debate. People argued about monument preservation and restoration. In 1964, these paintings returned to their original home.
Today, the Teekenschool thrives with a new motto: “learning to look by doing”. It has three modern studios. These studios support visual arts, photography, and even Golden Age theatre. Fonds 21 supports the Teekenschool. They help develop workshops, theater productions, and courses. These are for primary and secondary education.
The Rijksmuseum believes everyone has creativity. The Teekenschool challenges visitors. It encourages them to discover and develop their creativity. The Rijksmuseum’s collection serves as inspiration.
The Teekenschool is not just a building. It is a place where art comes alive. It’s a place where one can learn to truly see.