The external advisory committee has positively evaluated the new multi-year policy plan Zicht op Zwolle. The municipal executive has adopted this advice and allocates ANNO a contribution from the Subsidy Scheme for Zwolles cultural basic infrastructure of 1.2 million euros per year for the period 2026 to 2028. Additionally, ANNO receives a one-time contribution of 200,000 euros for two crucial investments: the renewal of the entrance area and the development of a Childrens Museum.

Reassessment and New Direction

After an initial rejection of the multi-year plan, ANNO was given the opportunity this year to write a new plan. At the same time, the municipality critically reflected on its own role as a subsidy provider and revised the assignment framework. One of the conditions is that ANNO grows to at least 22,000 visitors per year to operate financially healthy.

Based on the new framework, ANNO drafted the multi-year plan Zicht op Zwolle, in which the organization resets and sharpens its course. 

Germa Greving, director of ANNO: ANNO wants to showcase the unique character of Zwolle, a city you create together. The municipality of Zwolle gives us the space to grow and realize our ambitions. With a renewed entrance and the Childrens Museum, we can welcome more people to this distinctive and playful city museum.

ANNO as Storyteller and Connector

The new direction centers on the story of Zwolle. ANNO brings residents, creators, institutions, and communities together around the citys history, identity, and future. ANNO continues to collaborate with Erfgoed Gemeente Zwolle and Collectie Overijssel. In the Heritage Lab, visitors get acquainted with Zwolles heritage, research, and history. Visitors can use the study room for research and deepening. Both parts align with ANNOs overarching annual themes. 

Childrens Museum Enriches the Museum

The Childrens Museum becomes an important pillar within the new direction. It consists of game development and interactive elements that invite investigative learning. It connects with childrens curiosity and the Zwolle education field. The Childrens Museum increases appeal for families and school classes and contributes to more repeat visits.

Programming 2026 to 2029

For the coming years, ANNO introduces three overarching annual themes that together form the basis of programming. These themes highlight the city from different perspectives and are developed into exhibitions, public programs, the Heritage Lab, and collaborations with city partners.

The exhibitions are strengthened with side programming developed in collaboration with various partners, such as thrift stores, Theater de Makkers, Buro Ruis, and Museum de Fundatie.

Maaklab 800

In preparation for the celebration of 800 years of city rights in 2030, ANNO plays a central role in Zwolle 800. As a hub for collecting, connecting, and sharing stories, ANNO is building a digital archive full of perspectives of Zwolle residents through the centuries. Part of these plans is Maaklab 800, where residents and creators can actively contribute to recording and creating new stories. In 2030, ANNO will present this digital archive as a gift to the city during the jubilee year. 

Renewed Entrance Area

To grow to at least 22,000 visitors per year in the long term, investments in the building are necessary. With a one-time contribution from the municipality, ANNO can concretize plans for redesigning the entrance area. It is being explored whether the visitor entrance can be moved to the rear of the building on Voorstraat. This will better showcase the monumental Drostenhuis and the Museum Garden, currently relatively hidden gems.

Moving the entrance also creates a more logical visitor route and a recognizable access to the museum section. It also contributes to strengthening the cultural character of Voorstraat and making the museum quarter more attractive, as Museum de Fundatie and the Academiehuis are easily accessible from this side.

Zwolle on the Road to 2030

With ANNOs new direction, Zwolle takes an important step towards the jubilee year 2030 and the International Hanseatic Days. A strong city museum that makes Zwolles stories visible, accessible, and recognizable is of great value.

Alderman for Culture Anja Roelfs: Telling stories and connecting the future starts with the youngest. That is why it is so valuable that there will be a Childrens Museum that truly connects with education in the city. This allows ANNO to grow into a place of meeting and inspiration, playing an important role in the lead-up to 800 years of Zwolle.