The 'Slavery' exhibition at the Rijksmuseum delves into 250 years of the Dutch colonial past, an integral part of the Netherlands' history. It moves beyond abstract concepts by presenting ten personal and real-life stories, offering a profound look at individuals caught within the system of slavery across four continents. Visitors will encounter trans-Atlantic slavery in Suriname, Brazil, and the Caribbean, and Dutch colonial slavery in South Africa and Asia, highlighting historic company involvement.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Slavery at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
This exhibition explores the Dutch colonial period of slavery through ten personal and true stories from individuals involved, spanning Brazil, Suriname, the Caribbean, South Africa, and Asia. It utilizes objects, paintings, archival documents, and audio stories to present a comprehensive view of lives shaped by enslavement and resistance.
The 'Slavery' exhibition delves into the Dutch colonial period, a history spanning 250 years that is an integral part of the Netherlands' past. Moving beyond abstract concepts, the exhibition takes the form of personal and real-life stories, offering a profound look at the lives of individuals caught within the system of slavery. It covers trans-Atlantic slavery in Suriname, Brazil, and the Caribbean, as well as Dutch colonial slavery in South Africa and Asia, highlighting the involvement of entities like the Dutch West India Company (WIC) and the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The exhibition also addresses the effects of slavery within the Netherlands itself. Utilizing a rich array of items, the exhibition showcases objects from Dutch and foreign museums, archives, and private collections. These include cherished items belonging to enslaved individuals and tools used on plantations, many displayed for the first time at the Rijksmuseum. Complementing these visual elements are oral sources, poems, and music presented through audio stories, voiced by individuals connected to the featured figures. The exhibition design is by AFARAI, led by architect Afaina de Jong, and has been made possible through collaborations with numerous experts and support from various funds.
The audio tour is part of the exhibition and is free of charge, with a special tour available for families. The audio tour can also be accessed via the museum's app. Opening hours are daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Practical information, including accessibility and photography policies, can be found via a link to the museum's practical info page.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Slavery at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
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