Bijbels Museum Amsterdam Unveils 'Wijs!' Exhibition Featuring Inspiring 80-Plussers
The Bijbels Museum in Amsterdam has successfully concluded its search for "wise 80-plussers" to feature in its upcoming photography exhibition, Wijs! Fotografie Ilvy Njiokiktjien. Following a call for nominations, nearly forty individuals came forward to share stories of inspiring elders. The museum is now in the midst of conducting interviews, with photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien set to portray 12 selected individuals for the exhibition.
This unique initiative, conceived by the Bijbels Museum, aims to present a positive and multifaceted view of growing older. The exhibition is scheduled to open in mid-March 2026 in Amsterdam, before traveling to Haarlem and Zierikzee.
A Celebration of Wisdom and Resilience
Wijs! Fotografie Ilvy Njiokiktjien seeks to make wisdom visible, capturing the profound impact a long life can have on individuals. The project explores how the featured elders have navigated major and minor life events, what has given them strength, and their perspectives on wisdom itself. Through the lens of Zilveren Camera winner Ilvy Njiokiktjien, the exhibition will highlight themes such as flexibility, continuous development, embracing possibilities, adapting to change, overcoming adversity, and self-acceptance. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with their stories and reflect on their own understanding of wisdom.
Please note that the application period for nominating 80-plussers has now closed.
About the Bijbels Museum's Vision
The Bijbels Museum operates as a "nomadic" institution, creating art exhibitions from its Amsterdam base. These exhibitions focus on relevant stories about meaning and purpose, appealing to both believers and non-believers. The museum frequently incorporates themes from multiple religions and cultural traditions, often featuring contemporary art alongside historical artifacts. These exhibitions are presented in collaboration with other institutions across the Netherlands, reflecting the museum's adaptable approach to sharing cultural narratives.
The Wijs! Fotografie Ilvy Njiokiktjien exhibition is made possible through the support of several foundations, including Fonds Kerk en Wereld, VandenEnde Foundation, Mondriaanfonds, Stichting De Zaaier, Iona Stichting, Fonds Sluyterman van Loo, Stichting Hofje Codde en Van Beresteyn, Stichting Van der Toorn, Stichting Welzijn Senioren, and Maatschappij tot Nut van ’t Algemeen.
To discover more cultural experiences in Amsterdam and explore local institutions, visit Musemap (musemap.art) and browse other museums or view cultural spots on the map.
