"In Helena's route, resistance, expression and freedom seamlessly connect — from the Golden Age to the present day."
Helena de Vries is a historian and independent curator who specialises in the history of freedom of expression in the Netherlands. From the printing presses of the Golden Age to the underground press of the Second World War, she traces the long tradition of Dutch dissent and debate. Her Museum Night route follows this thread through time — from the 17th century to the present.
Freedom of Expression
A route through four centuries of Dutch dissent — from the printing presses of the Golden Age to the contemporary art of the Stedelijk. Helena's picks are for the historically curious and the politically engaged.
The Route
The printing history collection here is extraordinary. Amsterdam was the publishing capital of the world in the 17th century — this is where free thought was printed.
View museumAncient writing systems and the history of the book. The connection between literacy and freedom is the oldest story in human history.
View museumThe diary as an act of resistance. Anne Frank's writing is the most powerful example of what it means to insist on your own story.
View museumThe history of a community that has always had to fight for the right to exist and express itself. The evening programme is particularly strong tonight.
View museumPrintmaking as political act. The workshop's collection includes examples of protest printing from the 20th century. You can try the presses yourself.
View museumPhotography as witness. The current exhibition at Foam includes documentary work from conflict zones and protest movements around the world.
View museumEnd with the contemporary. The Stedelijk's collection is full of art that was controversial when it was made. Tonight that history feels very present.
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