Permanent exhibition
Ambition & Longing
Breda in the 19th Century
Through photos, advertising materials, paintings, and distinctive objects, the museum tells the story of 19th-century Breda—how technological and social developments rapidly transformed the city and sparked a nostalgic counter-movement in art.
Ambition and change
The advent of the steam engine, industrialisation, and the modernisation of society changed Breda. The ancient castle became the Royal Military Academy and the fortifications were demolished to make way for an ambitious urban expansion scheme. Factories like Wittouck, Backer & Rueb and Kwatta opened, bring prosperity and jobs to the town.
Romantic longing
At the same time, this progress prompted a countermovement, kindling a desire for the way things used to be. This can be seen in the romantic paintings and drawings produced by Breda artists. Visitors will be able to admire the work of Huysmans, Kannemans, Van Schendel and others. The nostalgic scenes of farm life in Dongen by artists like Allebé and Liebermann present a romantic image of country life.