Van Abbehuis is a house for contemporary art. The name is derived from the history of the space, located in the former residential villa of the Van Abbe family across from their museum. The exhibitions and public programme don’t operate separately, but relate through the rooms that take shape through the public domain. The infrastructure of the space guides the way in which the exhibitions and residencies are carried out: the multifunctional spaces with architectural elements are based on the former residential function: a gallery space, a working office, a library, a café, and a garden. On the top floors, studio’s of different local artists are housed. Van Abbehuis was built in 1919 by cigar manufacturer Henri Van Abbe. He and his family used it as their home, across the street from the museum they founded. Initially, the house was named Berthenja, after father Henri and his sons Albert and Jan; later, with Albert as its last resident, it became the Albert van Abbe House.