After more than 20 years working at Museumplein in Kerkrade, Hans Gubbels has decided to step down as general director of the Discovery Museum. He will leave his position as of December 31, 2025.
During those more than 20 years, he has meant a great deal to the museum. Under his leadership, the museum grew from a regional industrial museum into an interactive and leading science and technology museum for the whole of Southern Netherlands.
The museum transformed from the technical museum Industrion into Discovery Centre Continium, where elements of a science center were combined with a museum about science and technology. In 2015, the Columbus Earth Center and the Cube Design Museum were added, bringing attention to the earth, sustainability, and design. This expansion resulted in a large new building where three institutions collaborated. After a major reorganization and the COVID-19 pandemic, it was ultimately decided to merge everything back into one museum covering all themes: the current Discovery Museum.
Hans Gubbels made the museum more attractive to a broad audience by ensuring interactive exhibitions and modern presentation techniques. He honored Limburgs industrial heritage but also placed strong emphasis on the future, innovation, and technology.
Additionally, he initiated and supported many educational projects, enabling tens of thousands of students annually—from Limburg and beyond—to get acquainted with science and technology through the Discovery Museum. Under his leadership, the museum also became an important partner in regional programs aimed at inspiring young people to pursue technical professions, such as the Technology Pact and initiatives related to the regional labor market.
Honorary Medal of the Province of Limburg
The Honorary Medal of the Province of Limburg is an exclusive distinction awarded to individuals who have acquired outstanding merits for the province of Limburg and its population in some way. These merits must have a provincial impact and be of a very special nature.
