PAST EXHIBITION

De gezonde stad - De kunst van het gezonde stedelijk leven door de eeuwen heen

The art of survival through the ages

Utrecht is the first large, medieval city in the northern Netherlands, with clear roots in the Roman and early medieval periods. The city has long been a explorer and frontrunner when it comes to urban life, architecture and urban planning.

With the new exhibition The healthy city, we celebrate the 900th anniversary of Utrecht, and choose the angle; healthy urban life throughout the centuries. Because the search for a healthy living environment is of all times. According to the medieval health doctrine, that remained valid until the nineteenth century, the human body consisted of four bodily fluids (humors) whose mutual relationship determined what kind of character a person had.  

This vision of health was reflected in the healthy city, because a city also had to be kept in balance. In addition, flow was of vital importance, so that there was sufficient clean air and drinking water. In short, people and the environment had to be in balance with each other. And although nowadays the human body and the development of diseases are looked at very differently, balance with the (immediate) living environment is still of great importance. Searching for balance or balance is a nice metaphor for the functioning of the (healthy) city. Then, now and in the future.

The Standard Bearer 2 to 30 June

De Standard Bearer (Vaandeldrager) is going on a journey through the Netherlands. Rembrandt's painting can be seen in all twelve provinces of the Netherlands in the coming year. Utrecht was the second city where the work could be seen. More info via www.vaandeldragerontour.nl

De Vaandeldrager, Rembrandt 1636

Mediaguide

Listen to the stories of various Utrecht residents in the exhibition: how do they look back on the Utrecht residents who have gone before them? What do they find important? What do they do themselves to make the city healthier? Or what challenges do they see? From horticulturist and pediatrician to food bank employee: in the multimedia tour you will get to know their stories and perspectives.

Use the media guide for free via your own smartphone or open the media guide via this QR code link:

Family treasure hunt

Attention detectives! Discover the exhibition The healthy city with the whole family. The well-known Trijn van Leemput from Utrecht (1577) takes you on a journey through time: what was life like for Utrecht residents before and after her time? How did they ensure that they and the city remained healthy? You can learn more about this by doing fun assignments together. Every child who has completed the treasure hunt can collect a prize in the museum café afterwards.
The family treasure hunt is suitable for families with children from 8 to 12 years old and can be obtained free of charge at the information desk.

Image: Angela Damen

Annex

We are proud to be the first museum in Europe to present the latest work by artist John Akomfrah in the last exhibition room (the Annex). Akomfrah presents a personal story about the impact of the corona pandemic on different people. He shows his presentation on impressively large video screens, drawing you into the story. In the Annex we offer young contemporary artists the opportunity to reflect on the theme of the exhibition. Want to know more about Akomfrah's work? click here

© Smoking Dogs Films; Courtesy Smoking Dogs Films and Lisson Gallery.

Water Pavilion
A Water Pavilion will be on display in the museum garden, made by visual artist Jonas Wijtenburg for Fluid Future. (Fluid Future establishes a relationship between water and culture with the main aim of creating different mindsets and visibility of the importance of the broad theme of 'water').

Water is an essential part of our lives. For your own health, nature and all economic sectors. It is of great importance for a healthy city. Water is everywhere. Water connects us with the past, but more importantly, also with our future.

The pavilion is the location for a project by Sannah Belzer, Waterdragers (Water Carriers) a cultural education project for children (8-12 years old) in which water is brought to the Water Pavilion from various neighborhoods in Utrecht.

The pavilion is also an independent and interactive visual work where visitors to the museum can immerse themselves and where they can explore the question 'What is water'. The wonder of water is central to this: looking, smelling and experiencing.

Exhibition design: De Vrijer van Dongen

Thanks to:
Stichting Al Amal, Armoedecoalitie Utrecht, Attifa, Stichting Fluid Future, Hof van Cartesius, Kevin Kwee, Tijmen Lohmeijer, Pao & Tjoy, Eline Pollaert, Solgu, Stadshospice Utrecht, TivoliVredenburg, De Tussenvoorziening, Utrecht in Dialoog, Utrecht Schone Stad Coaches, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht Natuurlijk, Voedselbank Utrecht, Voedseltuin Overvecht, Werfzeep.