Van Tijen book, exhibition and documentary presented

18-11-2024

It has been a fantastic few days with the ir. W. van Tijen Foundation. With the official presentation of the book and the exhibition, everyone can now rediscover Van Tijen's legacy.

We are immensely proud of the many positive reactions and look back with gratitude on a week in which Willem van Tijen's philosophy came back to life. The book is for sale through Uitgeverij Verloren BV and the exhibition in Museum Vlaardingen will run until 13 April 2025 - an absolute must for anyone who wants to be inspired by this pioneer of social housing.

View the book
Discover the exhibition
Thursday evening, the presentation of the monograph ‘Willem van Tijen - Making living into happiness’ took place at Nieuwe Instituut. Author André van Deursen gave a wonderful introduction to the book, followed by an inspiring reflection by Hans Teerds. The panel, led by Henk Middelkoop, with Michelle Provoost, Paul Groenendijk and Jeroen Schilt, brought together an unprecedented amount of expertise on Van Tijen. The first copy of the publication was symbolically handed to son Reinder van Tijen, followed by a special group photo with authors, foundation members and three generations of Van Tijen.

On Friday, we then celebrated the official opening of the exhibition ‘Making living into happiness: Van Tijen and the rebuilding of Vlaardingen’. An afternoon full of enthusiasm and warm encounters, during which the Van Tijen family was also surprised by the great interest. Director Léanne Selles opened the programme, followed by a fascinating lecture by former alderman Hans Versluijs. With a festive toast moment together with the family, including daughter Willemien and son Reinder van Tijen, and alderman Ivana Somers-Gardenier, this milestone was officially heralded.

Photos: Benjamin de Groot