Point of View: Exploring the Visualisation of Gender Across Centuries at Rijksmuseum

Point of View explores how ideas around gender have been visualised through the ages, showcasing that these concepts are constantly changing. The exhibition features 150 items from the Rijksmuseum collection, including paintings, prints, costumes, and furniture, demonstrating that gender is a fluid and historically defined construct.

Point of View delves into the historical and evolving visual representations of gender, challenging contemporary notions of masculinity, femininity, and gender diversity. The exhibition presents a comprehensive collection of 150 objects, including 17th-century portraits where children are uniformly dressed in dresses, and 18th-century fashion featuring vibrant colours and ornate designs. These items collectively illustrate how perceptions of gender are shaped by time and cultural context. The exhibition also highlights individuals whose identities and expressions have historically challenged conventional gender norms, such as Queen Christina of Sweden, who was depicted in both male and female forms. Contemporary figures like Robert Mapplethorpe and Grace Jones are also featured, alongside a section created by college students offering their perspectives on what gender means to them through photography. The exhibition emphasizes that gender diversity has always existed and continues to be a dynamic aspect of human experience.

Adult tickets are €22.50, with free admission for those 18 and under, ICOM members, and Friends of the Rijksmuseum. A start time must be booked for visits. The museum operates on a cashless payment system, accepting only digital payment methods or credit cards for all purchases.