Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen) Statement on Art Vandalism Verdict in Utrecht
The Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen), a cultural institution known for its presence in Amsterdam, has reacted to a recent court decision concerning the intentional destruction of an artwork. On February 24, 2025, a criminal court in Utrecht delivered a verdict regarding an incident in 2023 where a portion of Marieke Ploeg's artwork, Asjera’s terugkeer, was damaged due to religious motives during the EXODUS: Hedendaagse kunst, urgente verhalen exhibition. The museum, alongside the artist, has expressed satisfaction with the court's judgment.
Upholding Artistic Freedom and Public Discourse
The court found the individual responsible, identified as Ms. T., guilty of intentionally vandalizing the artwork. In its ruling, the judge declared the act to be "completely unacceptable and unlawful," warning that it set a "very dangerous precedent" that could escalate into a cycle of violence. The court underscored the shared responsibility in a diverse society like the Netherlands to respect both the law and religious freedom, despite differing perspectives. Ms. T. was sentenced to 20 hours of community service and ordered to cover Marieke Ploeg's legal expenses.
Artist Marieke Ploeg shared her positive response to the decision, stating her appreciation that the court "protects the boundaries of our free space so that we can all experience the greater, the mystery in our own way and give it form in language and image." The Bijbels Museum and Buitenplaats Doornburgh, the co-producer of the exhibition, also affirmed their satisfaction with the outcome.
The Bijbels Museum's Commitment to Dialogue Through Art
The Bijbels Museum curates exhibitions that explore biblical themes, often broadening its scope to include other faiths and philosophical traditions. Its mission is to encourage meaningful conversations among a wide and diverse audience, from religious to secular visitors, on topics of belief, worldview, and the pursuit of meaning. This approach aims to foster greater self-understanding and mutual comprehension, acknowledging that it is acceptable to agree to disagree, provided that legal frameworks are respected and artistic integrity is preserved.
The artwork in question, Asjera’s terugkeer by Marieke Ploeg, was designed as a "Social Sculpture" intended to spark dialogue. It involved small groups of participants collaboratively creating figurines while engaging in profound discussions about their conceptions of God. The museum emphasizes that while art may not be sacred, its safety is paramount, a principle echoed by Stephan Sanders. The Bijbels Museum remains dedicated to facilitating conversations through art and spoken word in its future programs.
Context of the EXODUS Exhibition
The EXODUS exhibition, a joint effort between the Bijbels Museum and Buitenplaats Doornburgh, was the culmination of an art competition that drew over 700 submissions. A total of 28 selected artworks were displayed at Buitenplaats Doornburgh in Maarssen. Marieke Ploeg's installation, featuring a procession of small ceramic goddess figurines—replicas based on archaeological findings in ancient Jerusalem—served as the exhibition's opening piece. This work invited contemplation on perceiving the divine as both masculine and feminine, and the historical evolution of the feminine divine within patriarchal traditions over 2,500 years. More information about the exhibition is available on the Bijbels Museum website.
The Bijbels Museum operates as a "nomadic museum," meaning it does not maintain a permanent collection or a dedicated, publicly accessible building. Instead, it develops and presents exhibitions in collaboration with various partners across the Netherlands, enriching the cultural landscape, including in Amsterdam.
For those interested in exploring more cultural institutions, you can browse museums in Amsterdam or discover additional cultural spots on the map through Musemap (musemap.art).
