The Stedelijk Museum Meppel is a treasure trove of regional art of national significance. The permanent collection includes the colourful work of expressionist artist Stien Eelsingh, who lived and worked in Staphorst in the 1950s and 1960s. Paintings by various impressionist Meppel artists are also part of the permanent collection. Every six months, a different part of the collection of antique Meppel silver and the Pakes collection, with more than 100 occasional spoons, are displayed in special showcases. Very special are the enchanting puppets, hand puppets and masks that Meppel puppet makers and performers Henk and Ans Boerwinkel created an international furore with. Every three months, the Stedelijk Museum Meppel also offers an extensive changing exhibition of work by contemporary northern artists.