Landmark Slavery Exhibition Opens at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum
On May 18, 2021, King Willem-Alexander officially inaugurated the "Slavery" exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This significant presentation marked the museum's first major exhibition dedicated to the history of slavery within Dutch society.
Initially, due to prevailing health restrictions at the time, the exhibition was made available for online viewing. Subsequently, it opened its doors to the public, with an initial focus on secondary school students exploring the subject as part of their curriculum. The exhibition was accessible until August 29, 2021.
Exploring the Exhibition's Narrative and Impact
During the opening, King Willem-Alexander was guided through the exhibition by key figures including Rijksmuseum director Taco Dibbits, Head of History Valika Smeulders, and 14-year-old singer Yosina Roemajauw. Roemajauw also contributed to the family audio tour and co-authored a magazine for school pupils aged 10 to 13, titled "Slavery… and now?". The tour provided insights into various narratives presented, explained by the curators involved.
A notable part of the opening included a visit to the "Look at Me Now" project. Here, students collaborated with artists David Bade and Tirzo Marta from Instituto Buena Bista in Curaçao to create ten new artworks exploring themes related to slavery. The official opening event, attended by King Willem-Alexander, was broadcast by Dutch public broadcaster NOS on NPO1.
Visitors interested in delving deeper into the exhibition's content could find an online version available.
The "Slavery" exhibition offered a comprehensive look at a critical aspect of Dutch history, presenting diverse perspectives and historical objects. It aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the individuals and stories affected by slavery.
For those planning to discover more cultural experiences in the city, Musemap (musemap.art) provides guides to various attractions. You can explore current exhibitions in Amsterdam or browse other museums in Amsterdam to find your next visit.
