Harry Tupan, director of the Drents Museum, received the Drenthe Honorary Medal during his farewell. He was awarded this special distinction on behalf of the Provincial Executive for his significant contributions to Drenthe and his role in the development of the Drents Museum.
Commissioner of the King Jetta Klijnsma emphasized how significant Tupans contribution has been: “Harry Tupan has made the museum what it is today: an icon of our province and a driver of cultural developments. With the Honorary Medal, we want to thank him on behalf of all of Drenthe for his dreams and his actions.”
Tupan was connected to the museum for over forty years, from intern to director. Under his leadership, the Drents Museum became a major attraction with international allure. Exhibitions such as the Chinese Terracotta Army, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Frida Kahlo attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors.
At the same time, he allowed space for projects that told the story of Drenthe, such as exhibitions on the history of the Moluccans in Drenthe, the Drenthe works of Van Gogh (including the purchase of The Weed Burner and Landscape with a Farm) or an exhibition about trailer residents. The museum also built an impressive collection of figurative art and established a connection with Museum De Buitenplaats in Eelde.
Honorary Medal
The Drenthe Honorary Medal is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the province and the Drenthe community. Previously, Nobel Prize winner Ben Feringa and Dirk Mulder, former director of Camp Westerbork, received the award.