Great Exhibitions #14 – “Missen als een ronde vorm” at Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

🗓 Sunday, October 26th – 15:30
📍Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

Join us for the 14th chapter of Great Exhibitions, this time in the charming town of Schiedam, just outside Rotterdam. We'll be visiting the powerful and deeply emotional exhibition “Missen als een ronde vorm. De kunst van het doorleven” (Missing as a Round Shape. The Art of Going On) at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam.

This exhibition gathers over 30 contemporary artists who each explore the theme of loss and grief from a wide range of personal, cultural and emotional angles. Some works are intimate and tactile – like a stiffened pair of a father’s underpants, or baby clothes lovingly embroidered – while others are symbolic, ritualistic or abstract.

It is based on a 2023 book by artist and author Hanne Hagenaars, who reflects on the absence of mourning rituals in her life and how art can help us remember, grieve, and connect with what’s lost. From sculptures and installations to textiles and photography, this is a moving, multi-sensory experience about death, memory, and transformation through art.

🖼 The exhibition is incredibly diverse in style and medium, and speaks to something we all encounter – the loss of someone or something dear. It’s described as both beautiful and heartbreaking, filled with personal rituals, quiet tenderness, and emotional power.

🎟 Entry to the museum is €16.50 or free with a Museumkaart.

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After the exhibition (~17:00), we’ll continue our afternoon with a visit to a true local gem:

🍸 Jeneverie ’t Spul, a cozy tasting room specializing in Jenever, the traditional Dutch juniper-based spirit that gave birth to gin.

Schiedam was once the beating heart of Jenever production – in the 18th century, the city had nearly 400 active distilleries and became known as “Black Nazareth” due to the smoky skies from malt wine stills. Today, the legacy lives on in places like ’t Spul, where we’ll sample different types of Jenever and learn more about this unique Dutch tradition.

We’ll also try Juniperi, a rare local craft beer brewed with Jenever!

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🎯 Meeting Point: 15:00 at the entrance of Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
🗺 Museumkaart friendly
🥃 Jenever tasting is à la carte (no reservation needed, pay on site)
As always, feel free to come solo or with friends – this is a welcoming space to meet people who enjoy art, culture and good company.

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Let us know if you're joining – and we’ll see you in Schiedam!
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