Haarlem’s city council adopted a motion to provide the Museum of the Spirit in Haarlem-Noord with an additional €140,000 per year in 2027 and 2028. The museum, which focuses on mental health and operates from the former Dolhuys on the Schotersingel, faces annual deficits of the same amount despite having reduced its permanent staff. It pays the municipality €250,000 a year in rent for the building.

The €140,000 for 2027 was approved, while the amount for 2028 was made conditional on the museum demonstrating that it can secure additional structural income and make progress in settling its outstanding debts. The museum had previously received an additional municipal grant of €900,000 for 2025 and 2026 after financial difficulties that began during the coronavirus crisis. The motion was supported by D66, OP Haarlem, Volt, SP, CDA, Your Haarlem and the largest group in the PRO Haarlem coalition; VVD, FVD and Proud Haarlem voted against it.