Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys in Amsterdam Unveils New 'Who Cares?' Exhibition
The Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys in Amsterdam is set to open a significant new exhibition, 'Who Cares? Forgotten Victims and Hidden Heroes of Care in WWII'. Launching on November 30, 2023, and running until September 15, 2024, this presentation delves into the challenging history of mental health and intellectual disability care during the Second World War. It aims to shed light on overlooked stories of resilience and despair, honouring both those who suffered and those who provided care during a dark chapter in history.
The Exhibition: Uncovering Overlooked Histories
'Who Cares?' recounts poignant tales of desperation, courage, and perseverance within the wartime healthcare system. Visitors will encounter a blend of unique historical images and diverse artworks, including Willem van Genk's "The Truth Festival," rare surviving sketches by Wilhelm Werner from the Prinzhorn Collection, and never-before-seen moving footage depicting the impactful evacuations at Duin en Bosch in 1942. These exhibits collectively explore the profound impact of war on patients and caregivers, questioning the resilience of the care system and its efforts to prevent atrocities. The museum emphasizes that these narratives deserve a permanent place in our collective memory, serving as a powerful reminder of how vulnerable individuals often bear the harshest impact of crises.
The exhibition prompts reflection on the value of a human life, giving a voice to individuals and stories previously untold. Through art, objects, and personal testimonies, guests will gain insight into mental healthcare practices just before and during World War II, observing how attitudes towards psychiatry, intellectual disability care, and their patients evolved in both the Netherlands and Germany. While the exhibition acknowledges the horrific events in Nazi Germany, it also highlights how Dutch care institutions, though struggling, largely maintained their integrity and how caregivers actively resisted the occupation.
Engaging with the Legacy
Visitors to 'Who Cares?' will find multiple opportunities for engagement and reflection. Towards the end, guests are invited to sign the "Universal Declaration of the Open Mind," aligning with the Museum van de Geest's vision for an inclusive society where everyone is seen, heard, and can participate.
The exhibition also features creative collaborations, including special chairs crafted in Cordaan's woodworking workshop, designed to provide spaces for contemplation on personal wartime stories. A video installation titled 'Untitled', produced with Cordaan's Theater LeBelle and Toneelmakerij, incorporates live performances and encourages critical thinking about societal perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
An audiotour, narrated by Splinter Chabot, offers deeper context, exploring the historical trajectory that led to atrocities in Germany and detailing the Dutch response. Chabot shares personal reflections on the contemporary relevance of these historical themes. The exhibition’s design, by Perspekt Studio’s, uses a compelling metaphor of light transitioning to darkness, drawing on previous experience with wartime narratives to create an immersive and meaningful visitor experience.
The 'Who Cares?' exhibition at Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys provides a vital opportunity to engage with critical historical and ethical questions, reminding us of the enduring importance of empathy and inclusive care. For those interested in exploring more cultural insights and historical venues across the city, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a platform to discover museums or find other unique places on the map.
