MuseumLab becomes Museon-Omniversum Southwest

In a Lab-like setting, the curiosity of children from the neighbourhood is stimulated. By experimenting with different materials and techniques, they explore their talents. Meanwhile, the Lab itself is also an experiment; this is where Museon-Omniversum Southwest, formerly known as MuseumLab, investigates how a museum can remain relevant in a changing society by exploring collaboration with people and organisations around them.

Maarten Okkersen, project leader of the Museon-Omniversum Southwest. "The Museon has 120 years of experience in education. Yet we decided to go all the way back to basics in this neighbourhood; museums are there to let people discover the world. Together with the residents, we look at what is needed to let the children in this neighbourhood discover the world."

In a shop building in the middle of The Hague Southwest, an area with socio-economic challenges in The Hague, you will find the Museon-Omniversum Southwest, an annexe of the science museum Museon-Omniversum. This area is in transition. In one of the Netherlands' largest inner-city area developments, some 2,000 (social) houses will be pulled down and 3,000 social housing units will be built in their place. An additional 2,500 owner-occupied and rented homes will also be built. The development is a collaboration between housing corporation Staedion, property developer Heijmans and the municipality of The Hague. A unique feature is that the housing corporation is collaborating with a museum (Museon-Omniversum) on the new district's facilities programme. 

From vibrating robots to plastic recycling workshops

The Museon-Omniversum Southwest has a programme three days a week. On Wednesday afternoons, 25-40 children weekly gather to work with all kinds of materials. They are given a concrete assignment, but with plenty of freedom. For instance, they recently made their vibrating robot, including a power circuit. And of course, the next week they wanted to do a contest between the different vibration robots. The plastic recycling workshop also brought out a lot of creativity.

Participation in research projects

Museon-Omniversum Southwest participates in Multi-STEM, a research project that aims to promote the participation of multilingual children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. At the upcoming exhibition in Museon-Omniversum Southwest, the children will create signs in multiple languages to accompany their art objects. They will also host their own tours -in multiple languages - of the exhibition. 

Maarten Okkersen, project leader of the Museon-Omniversum Southwest. "In less than two years, we have become part of the neighbourhood. That was not even very difficult. The most important thing is that you are always present with a fixed team of people: that's how you make contacts step by step. We soon discovered how cool this neighbourhood is and how involved the parents are. We now work together with various initiatives, such as the neighbourhood room, the creative Muslim club, the Moroccan mothers, the library and ROC Mondriaan".

Harry Wientjens, chairman of the Economic Board The Hague and the Work & Economy Alliance of the National Programme The Hague Southwest. "Museon-Omniversum Southwest is more than just a cultural space—it’s a place where creativity and opportunity come together. Teaching technical skills combined with accessibility to art and culture helps people develop new skills, build confidence, and connect with each other. In The Hague Southwest, where opportunities aren’t always evenly spread, this museum plays a crucial role in inspiring and empowering the community, driving real social and economic change."

Article with downloadable pictures: https://storiesofpurpose.thehague.com/humanity/museon-omniversum-southwest-pilot-be-museum-future

About Museon-Omniversum

 Museon-Omniversum is founded in 1904 and offers a museum and giant-screen cinema in The Hague, inspiring curiosity about science, nature, and culture. Through impressive films, interactive exhibitions, and a unique collection visitors of all ages are inspired to contribute to a sustainable future and a sustainable planet. “Together with the public, schools, government, and businesses, we strive for a better world.”