The Museum of Fake Art: Art with a Smile

Art is fun, they believe at the Museum of Fake Art. And they have plenty of art there: paintings, prints, glass, and sculptures. You can quietly enjoy it, but you can also have a good laugh at it—especially when it comes to the fake art.

The Museum of Fake Art started as a hobby that got out of hand for two art collectors, Henk and Erna Plenter. With 6,000 visitors a year, it’s hardly a hobby anymore. The museum is known for its guided tours of the fake art, which are highly entertaining. All the tricks used by forgers are covered, including stories about master forgers such as Han van Meegeren and Geert Jan Jansen. What’s the difference between a forgery and a copy? How are people being duped? How can you make sure you don’t get scammed? Expert tour guides explain it all, with a touch of humor.

But there’s even more to experience. Lots of real art. For example, there’s some remarkable contemporary glass on display. It’s a collection the Museum of Fake Art is particularly proud of, featuring many unique pieces. The Museum of Fake Art is also known for its exhibitions. Artists you wouldn’t expect to find in Vledder—such as Klaas Gubbels, Lucebert, and Anton Heyboer—have been exhibited here. There’s a new exhibition three times a year. Then there’s the collection featuring works by masters from Drenthe, not to mention the sculpture garden, curated in collaboration with Galerie “Beeldschoon” in De Pol.

So there’s something for everyone—both fake and real!