Collaboration between Museumpark Vonk and Summa officially confirmed

Eindhoven Museum and Summa have officially confirmed their partnership. This marks a significant step in a multi-year partnership in which Summa students are actively involved in the construction of the sparks, the large, wondrous structures that will soon be on display in Museumpark Vonk.

Summa and Eindhoven have collaborated on joint projects in recent years. For example, construction students have been working every Monday for several years on the renovation of historic buildings in the Prehistoric Village. With the new agreement, the parties are reinforcing their intention to collaborate: the ambition is that for the next three years, groups of students from various Summa programs, from engineering to woodworking and metalworking, will participate annually in the development and realization of various sparks.

In the Museumpark Vonk workshop, students contribute to the translation of design into technical design and build concrete components. This directly contributes to the main structure of future buildings, which museum visitors will see daily. Components are also manufactured at Summa's campuses and will later be assembled in the museum.

With this partnership, Museumpark Vonk aims to be a platform for vocational students. The museum offers students challenging assignments that stimulate creativity and collaboration. It also provides a place where their craftsmanship is showcased to a wide audience. Ward Rennen, director of Eindhoven Museum: “With Summa, we bring the makers of the future to Museumpark Vonk. Here, they can literally put history into practice. Their craftsmanship not only has a place here, but also inspires visitors and future generations to get their hands dirty.”

For Summa, this project is a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience. Summa chair Annemarie Moons: “Our vocational students will make a significant contribution to the museum's components. It's precisely through these kinds of collaborations that our students get the chance to develop their talents in real, meaningful projects. Whether it's construction, engineering, or creative craftsmanship: students from diverse backgrounds collaborate here on something tangible that will soon be visible to visitors from the Netherlands and abroad. In this way, they literally make history visible and gain valuable experience for their studies.”

The collaboration agreement was signed by Annemarie Moons, Chair of the Executive Board of Summa, and Ward Rennen, Managing Director of Eindhoven Museum. In the presence of Alderman Robert Strijk (Higher and Vocational Education) and Summa Education Directors Willy Ickenroth (Engineering and Laboratory) and Rianne Coppelmans (Creative Craftsmanship), the value of this partnership for both students and the city was emphasized. Designer Hugo Vrijdag was also present: he is working with students on the first spark, which depicts the agricultural revolution.

Starting in July 2026, visitors to Museumpark Vonk will experience how the city and region of Eindhoven evolved from the first hunter-gatherers into one of the most innovative high-tech cities in the world. With Summa, the museum has consciously chosen to collaborate with the local vocational college (MBO), where practical learning and craftsmanship are central.

Museumpark Vonk is an initiative of the Eindhoven Museum, which also includes the Prehistoric Village.