NOW SHOWING
KEES VAN DONGEN
The Early Years
November 8, 2025 – May 3, 2026
Kees van Dongen was among the vanguard of Dutch artists who moved to Paris at the end of the nineteenth century. There, he found himself at the center of artistic innovation and became one of the most striking figures of the international avant-garde around 1900.
Van Dongen began his illustrious career as a draftsman. With only a few pencils in his pocket, he left for Paris in 1897, determined to create drawings and prints for a wide audience. Through illustrated magazines, he brought his work to the public and, inspired by anarchist ideals, gave a voice to workers, prostitutes, and others on the fringes of society. These early graphic works are critical, fierce, and engaged. Overshadowed by Van Dongen’s later success as a painter, they have rarely been seen. Discover them now in the exhibition Kees van Dongen: The Early Years: a unique opportunity to see the lesser-known work from the beginning of the artistic career of one of the most important Dutch artists from the 20th century.
The exhibition was created in collaboration with many partners, such as the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Letterenhuis Antwerp, the International Institute of Social History, and various private lenders.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Explore the world of stone printing at the Dutch Museum of Lithography! Plan your visit and book your tickets online.
From stone
to chip
Alois Senefelder invented stone printing and lithography in 1798. He provided the world with the ultimate technique for producing images quickly, massively and cheaply (and from 1837, also in colour). This centuries-old craft is still alive and kicking: today’s offset printing and even the microchip would not have come about without Senefelder’s invention!
The Dutch Museum of Lithography in Valkenswaard not only shows all kinds of lithographic printing, but also the technique that made it possible. You are more than welcome to come and discover all the historical, artistic and technical aspects of lithography in our museum and workshop.
Support us!
Do you care about the Dutch Museum of Lithography and want to support us? Become a friend of the museum, sponsor or contributor! With your support, we can keep lithography alive.
Collection
The collection of the Dutch Museum of Lithography includes book illustrations, cartography, advertising panels and lithography of famous artists such as Kees van Dongen, Alphonse Mucha, Adolphe Willette and Jan Sluyters, but also playing cards, labels, postcards, prints, caricatures and (satirical) magazines. In addition to the permanent collection, the Dutch Museum of Lithography regularly presents a new exhibition highlighting a special artist or a specific theme.
EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY
ON STONE
Get creative in our workshop! Lithography is a surface printing technique, which is based on the repelling effect of grease and water. During our lithography workshops, you will learn the basics of this age-old craft at entry-level. Create your own design in our workshop, enjoy a delicious lunch and print (with our help) your own drawing on a traditional stone printing press.
LECTURES
Our curator will introduce you to the world of lithography and lithographic art during lectures. These lectures are an absolute must for every art lover!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Explore the world of stone printing at the Dutch Museum of Lithography! Plan your visit and book your tickets online.