Tower of Babel: The Next Step – A Contemporary Art Exhibition at Stedelijk Museum Breda

This open call exhibition, 'Toren van Babel: de volgende stap,' explores the contemporary relevance of the Tower of Babel myth, focusing on themes of language, polarization, and the challenges of communication in today's interconnected world. It features a diverse range of media from contemporary artists, inspired by the historical narrative and addressing issues of listening, understanding, and connection in society.

Inspired by the ancient story of the Tower of Babel, 'Toren van Babel: de volgende stap' delves into the urgent contemporary issues of polarization and communication breakdown in a hyper-connected world. The exhibition highlights how, despite increased ease of contact through social media and travel, genuine understanding and listening remain difficult. It showcases contemporary artists who use diverse media such as mixed media, textiles, sculpture, and painting to reimagine the Tower of Babel narrative and explore the dual nature of language—its power to connect and divide. The exhibition aims to inspire visitors to reflect on connection, listening, and understanding. A unique aspect is the juxtaposition of contemporary works with historical pieces, such as the work 'Toren van Babel' by Marten van Valckenborch (c. 1590), offering a dialogue between past and present interpretations of the theme. The project is a coproduction between the Bijbels Museum and Stedelijk Museum Breda, reflecting the exhibition's theme of collaboration and mutual understanding. This partnership emphasizes the goal of bringing diverse voices and disciplines together to build something meaningful, mirroring the core message of the exhibition.

The exhibition 'Toren van Babel' will be on display at Stedelijk Museum Breda from November 21, 2026, to May 17, 2027. Further details on ticketing and admission should be sought from Stedelijk Museum Breda directly.