Frans Hals is one of the leading figures of the Dutch art world of the seventeenth century. Many have admired his virtuoso brushwork and the spontaneous character of his portraits.

In the autumn of 2023, London’s National Gallery will host the first major exhibition of Frans Hals’s oeuvre since 1989-90, followed in early 2024 by an appearance at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, both in special collaboration with the Frans Hals Museum.

In preparation for this spectacular gathering of masterpieces, on 8 and 9 January 2023, the Frans Hals Museum will host a symposium on the great Dutch master for scholars and art professionals.

On Sunday 8 January, Christopher Atkins, Anna Tummers, Claus Grimm and Frans Grijzenhout will join a number of specialists and scholars in presenting papers on various topics, including defining Hals’s oeuvre, his clientele, recent insights into the physical evidence found in his paintings and the artist’s past and present relevance.

On Monday, 9 January, the Frans Hals Museum is open exclusively for symposium participants. Guests will be able to visit our Newcomers: Flemish artists in Haarlem 1580-1630 exhibition and discuss works by Hals that have never been shown in the Netherlands before and other paintings by Hals.

More information about the programme and how to take part will follow in October via the button below.