The Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven has launched a major redesign and new initiative called "System Thinkers," embedding artists directly into the museum's operations to make the experience more accessible. Changes include sensory-friendly lockers with fidget-toy keyrings, a sensory map for neurodivergent visitors, non-chronological reordering of over 250 works, and collaborations with artists such as Ayoung Kim, john gerrard, Ayumi Paul, and the ADEZIV neurodivergent design network. The museum, directed by Defne Ayas since September 2025, has reconfigured its building into two segments, with a ground floor featuring digital simulations and an upstairs gallery reorganized into thematic "star clusters."
This redesign matters because it represents a pioneering effort to integrate neurodivergent and sensory-aware design into a major museum, challenging the traditional "white cube" model. By prioritizing accessibility and multi-sensory engagement—from varied lighting and sound to interactive installations—the Van Abbemuseum is setting a new standard for how institutions can serve broader, more diverse publics. The initiative also highlights a growing trend of museums embedding artists in institutional decision-making, potentially influencing how other museums approach inclusivity and audience engagement in the future.