Amsterdam
Completed

Experience the WIJS! Exhibition at Bijbels Museum: Exploring Portraits and Diverse Stories of Aging

Discover photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien's compelling portrayals and personal narratives from people aged 80 and over.

The WIJS! exhibition at the Bijbels Museum offers a refreshing look at growing old, showcasing positive and diverse images of individuals aged 80 and over. Through striking portraits by renowned photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien and their candid life stories, visitors gain insight into the rich, complex, and often adventurous journey of aging. This collection challenges conventional perceptions, presenting nuanced perspectives from older adults across the Netherlands.

About WIJS! at Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen) in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for WIJS! at Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen) in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

WIJS! is an exhibition at the Bijbels Museum that presents a positive and diverse portrayal of people aged 80 and over. Through portraits by photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien and personal stories, the exhibition explores the complexity and adventurous aspects of growing old.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'WIJS!' was initiated by an appeal to introduce wise individuals aged 80 and over. The Bijbels Museum presents a positive and multifaceted image of this age group, challenging common media portrayals. Through conversations and portraits by photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien, the exhibition delves into the complex and adventurous nature of aging. Several individuals aged 80 and over share their stories, contributing to a more varied and nuanced understanding of older adults across the Netherlands. Initially displayed at OBA Oosterdok in Amsterdam, 'WIJS!' is a traveling exhibition that will subsequently be shown in Haarlem and Zierikzee. The exhibition aims to provide a platform for the voices and experiences of its subjects, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of life in later years.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition 'WIJS!' is free to view daily at OBA Oosterdok in Amsterdam. Following its run there, it will travel to Haarlem and Zierikzee. The workshop related to this exhibition has a separate fee and registration process via OBA.

WIJS! key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for WIJS! at Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen) in Amsterdam

Venue
Bijbels Museum (Cromhouthuizen)
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Mar 20, 2026 – Jun 15, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Featuring portraits by Dutch photographer Ilvy Njiokiktjien, who was named Fotograaf des Vaderlands in 2013 and won the Zilveren Camera in 2014. She has a long-standing practice of photographing elderly individuals.
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