Amsterdam
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Come Deck The Halls: Alison Smithson's Christmas Card Collection at Van Eesteren Museum

Delve into the cultural significance and creative medium of holiday cards through a pivotal architect's unique vision.

Uncover the fascinating story behind 'Come Deck The Halls,' an exhibition focusing on the enduring appeal of the Christmas card. This special presentation at the Van Eesteren Museum highlights the personal collection of celebrated British architect Alison Smithson. Explore how these cards serve as artistic expressions and reflect diverse cultural celebrations of the festive season. Gain insight into Smithson's architectural context and her deep appreciation for holiday traditions.

About Come Deck The Halls at Van Eesteren Museum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Come Deck The Halls at Van Eesteren Museum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This exhibition explores the phenomenon of the Christmas card as a creative medium, focusing on the collection of cards by British architect Alison Smithson. It delves into how these cards reflect cultural celebrations and Smithson's fascination with the holiday.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Come Deck the Halls!' centers on the Christmas card, a pre-internet medium for expressing holiday wishes and showcasing creativity. It prominently features the Christmas cards of British architect Alison Smithson, who was captivated by the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated across cultures. Smithson had planned four exhibitions on the theme of Christmas, but sadly passed away after completing the third. This exhibition in the Van Eesteren Museum presents her comprehensive collection of Christmas cards from 1976 onwards, contextualized within her architectural work and career. Alison Smithson is recognized as a pivotal figure in 20th-century architecture, advocating for the significant role of women in design. Her career, often in partnership with her husband Peter Smithson, contributed to modern architectural developments, including the well-known Robin Hood Gardens social housing project. The exhibition also includes Christmas workshops led by her daughter, Soraya Smithson. Following its run in December 2024, the exhibition is set to travel to Madrid.

Admission and ticket notes

Information about ticketing and admission is not explicitly detailed on this page. Visitors are directed to the general museum information for further details on attending exhibitions and events, which may include workshops or special programs related to the exhibition content.

Come Deck The Halls key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Come Deck The Halls at Van Eesteren Museum in Amsterdam

Venue
Van Eesteren Museum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Dec 14, 2023 – Jan 28, 2024
Artist line / attribution
Featuring the Christmas cards of Alison & Peter Smithson. Curated by Ana Abalos Ramos. Spatial design by ábalos llopis. Graphic design by Studio Hessel de Ronde. With thanks to the Smithson Family.
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