No big names on high pedestals, but ordinary lives - and yet never ordinary. A caulker from 1796, a fishmonger, a maid or a contemporary activist - all women whose stories were once invisible - are given a body, a word, a splendor.
Everything began on International Women's Day 2024, when the museum called on Amsterdammers to write an ode to a woman who meant the city. Letters, poems, songs, videos - hundreds of odes came in and formed the basis for this exhibition.
The result: a personal and moving exhibition in which more than one hundred women are portrayed through museum objects as well as personal memories. Old paintings, photographs, uniforms and installations mingle with new work by contemporary creators. In this way Tyna Adebowale the multitude of mother tongues on the Dam to life through a sound system, and honors Sarah van Sonsbeeck Lau Mazirel with a light intervention that shines right into your soul.
"This exhibition is not an echo of the past, but whispered voices that may finally be heard."
The exhibition was designed by Studio L A - with spaces inspired by female architecture such as Marlies Rohmer's Vossius Gymnasium and Karin Daan's Gay Monument. For families, there is a special family trail from 6 years of age with audio tour, and schools can get started with a challenging education program . Women of Amsterdam - an ode Makes history fragile and close.