Maps Unfolded explores seven centuries of cartography, from 15th-century drawings to future maps, focusing on the history and artistry of mapmaking. The exhibition showcases maps of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe, and the world, with special attention to colonial territories and Dutch interaction with water.
Maps Unfolded offers a comprehensive journey through seven centuries of cartographic history, featuring maps and atlases that span from the 15th century to projections of the future. The exhibition begins with a detailed city plan of Amsterdam from 1625 and expands outward to encompass the Netherlands, Europe, and the entire globe. Particular focus is given to maps of former Dutch colonies such as the Dutch East Indies, Suriname, and the Antilles. Many of the featured maps were created in Amsterdam, a historical hub for mapmaking, by renowned figures like Frederick de Wit, Willem, and Joan Blaeu. The exhibition delves into the stories behind each map, revealing their significance in relation to colonial histories, geographical evolution, the Dutch relationship with water, and shifting borders.
Visitors can examine individual maps in dedicated rooms, with a special section exploring the latest cartographic techniques through a collaboration with Amsterdam-based technology company TomTom. The works presented are part of the Allard Pierson's cartography collection, one of Europe's most important, with many pieces on long-term loan from the Royal Dutch Geographical Society, which celebrates its 150th anniversary. An accompanying exhibition, 'Reflections on Maps Unfolded,' features contemporary artists Gert Jan Kocken, Remy Jungerman, Jan Rothuizen, and Qiu Zhijie, who find inspiration in cartographic phenomena, with Jungerman creating a new work reflecting on an 18th-century map of Suriname.