Marcos Kueh realises anniversary work for the 100th anniversary of the Museumvereniging at the TextielLab

Header: Left: Eeuwdoek. Photo by By Rox Photography. Right: Marcos Kueh in the Sample Studio. Photo by Patty van den Elshout.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Museumvereniging, the remarkable textile artwork Een eeuw verweven (A Century Interwoven) has been realised at the TextielLab of the TextielMuseum in Tilburg. The work was designed by textile artist Marcos Kueh and symbolises a century of collaboration between Dutch museums.

The first edition of the artwork was presented to His Majesty the King on 27 February 2026 during the anniversary celebration. All affiliated museums will also receive their own edition, ensuring the jubilee is visible throughout the entire sector.

Connection as a central theme

With Een eeuw verweven, Kueh visualises the power of connection. The textile work shows how different stories, cultures and perspectives come together. Much like museums themselves.

The artist describes his approach as follows:
“As a weaver, you discover ways to bind threads that might not seem to belong, creating harmony from diversity.”

In the design, Kueh combines patterns referencing Indonesian motifs, reflecting his roots in the Malaysian part of Borneo, with optical structures reminiscent of the work of M.C. Escher. Up close, a wide variety of patterns can be seen, while from a distance they form a unified whole.

Museumvereniging: a century of collaboration

Since 1926, museums in the Netherlands have worked together through the Museumvereniging. What began as consultations between a small group of museum directors and professors has grown into a national association representing more than 500 museums today.

The association is committed to the quality, professionalisation and accessibility of museums. The centenary marks the collective efforts of generations of board members, staff and members who have contributed to the development of the museum sector.

As an active member of the Museumvereniging, the TextielMuseum is part of this national network. Through the realisation of Een eeuw verweven, the museum contributes to celebrating a century of collaboration within the sector.

Een eeuw verweven. Photo by By Rox Photography.

From emerging talent to anniversary artist

For the TextielMuseum, the commission holds additional significance. In 2022, Marcos Kueh worked at the TextielLab on his graduation project Kenyalang Circus. What began as a development trajectory evolved into a lasting collaboration, with the museum closely following his growth into an internationally active artist.

The fact that he is now creating the anniversary work at the very place where his career gained momentum highlights the importance of talent development and collaboration within the sector.

A double anniversary year

The realisation of Een eeuw verweven also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the TextielLab in 2026. This milestone will be celebrated, among other ways, with the exhibition Man <3 Machine – 25 jaar TextielLab, opening on 28 March at the TextielMuseum.

With this anniversary artwork, the TextielLab demonstrates how, for 25 years, it has been a place where makers, craftsmanship and museum collaboration come together. Values that now also help represent a century of museum history.