Our history
The founder of The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation is Pieter Moerenhout (1930-2018), a multi-talented musician with a deep love for literature, nature, music, and the visual arts.
How it all started
When Pieter’s daughter completed her studies at the conservatory in 1984, he was faced with the problem of expensive string instruments. He borrowed tens of thousands of guilders to buy her a violin. He wanted to alleviate this financial burden for other musicians at the start of their careers, and the idea for an instrument foundation was born around his kitchen table. He gathered dedicated experts around him, and in 1988, The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation was a reality. Together with violinist Theo Olof (1924-2012), the first chairman of the board, Pieter joined the Culture Foundation, which launched the foundation with a generous contribution. "The crazy dream of a guy nobody knows," as Pieter himself described it.
Growth
The Musical Instrument Foundation’s instrument collection grew larger and more important, and professionalization became necessary. In 1995, the foundation moved from Bunnik to the oldest stone house in Amsterdam, where its office still operates. Theo Olof was succeeded by former minister Prof. Dr. J.E. Andriessen, and in 2001 by Prof. Ir. W. Dik. In 2015, Els Swaab became chair. A Supervisory Board model was implemented in August 2016, meaning that the foundation is now managed by the executive board. All members of the former board have transferred to the new Supervisory Board.
Theo Olof
Collection of instruments
The Musical Instrument Foundation’s development has resulted in tremendous growth of the collection of instruments, which currently comprises over 600 instruments and over 300 bows. Its insured value exceeds €50 million. This makes it the largest instrument collection in the world, measured against its objectives.