Amsterdam
Completed

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Presents: Forgotten Nature & Local Plant Stories Exhibition

Uncover forgotten historical plant stories and their lost significance in medicine and folklore at Stadsarchief Amsterdam.

Stadsarchief Amsterdam invites you to 'We Live Here Too. Traces of Forgotten Nature,' a unique mini-exhibition on its courtyard. Explore the deep historical bond between humans and local plants, revealing their lost significance. Learn how these botanical species were once essential for medicine and central to folk tales, with their fascinating stories now brought to light.

About We Live Here Too. Traces of Forgotten Nature at Stadsarchief Amsterdam in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for We Live Here Too. Traces of Forgotten Nature at Stadsarchief Amsterdam in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This mini-exhibition on the courtyard of the Stadsarchief Amsterdam highlights local plants and their forgotten stories. It explores how plants were historically used as medicine, featured in folklore, and the knowledge that has been lost over time. Visitors can discover plants like the rare Grasklokje and the Madeliefje, each with a unique tale.

Curatorial context

The Stadsarchief Amsterdam presents a special mini-exhibition on its courtyard titled 'Wij leven hier ook. Sporen van vergeten natuur' (We Live Here Too. Traces of Forgotten Nature). This display focuses on the deep historical connection between humans and nature, specifically highlighting local plants and their lost significance. Once integral to daily life as sources of medicine and central figures in folk tales, much of this plant knowledge has faded over the centuries. The exhibition brings attention to several local plants, including the rare Grasklokje and the common Madeliefje, each accompanied by its own remarkable narrative. For instance, the 'Zandblauwtje' was once believed to possess the power to heal the plague, while the 'Gewoon Duizenblad' (Common Yarrow) was historically placed under thresholds as a protective charm against spirits and the devil. This temporary installation serves as a complement to the larger exhibition 'Wij Leefden hier. Sporen van vergeten natuur' housed within the Janskerk, inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of plant and animal life that has inhabited Noord-Holland.

Admission and ticket notes

This is a mini-exhibition located on the museum's courtyard. Further details about access or entry requirements are not specified on this page.

We Live Here Too. Traces of Forgotten Nature key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for We Live Here Too. Traces of Forgotten Nature at Stadsarchief Amsterdam in Amsterdam

Venue
Stadsarchief Amsterdam
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
May 22, 2026 – May 22, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Information not currently available
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