In 2022-2023, I contributed to the exhibition Labyrinthia at the Drents Museum in Assen. Conceived as both an exhibition and a journey through time, Labyrinthia explores Dutch history as a rich tapestry woven from migration, innovation, and identity — told through fifty remarkable objects that each carry a piece of our shared story.
The Idea of Labyrinthia
Rather than presenting a linear narrative, Labyrinthia invites visitors to wander — through ideas, centuries, and perspectives. The exhibition encourages reflection on how the Netherlands has always been a crossroads: a landscape shaped by water, trade, creativity, and resilience. It asks fundamental questions about who we are, where we come from, and how our cultural memory is formed.
My Role
As curator and archaeological specialist, I was responsible for:
- Researching and selecting archaeological objects that illustrate key moments in Dutch prehistory and early history;
- Developing interpretive narratives that connect material culture to broader social and historical themes;
- Writing and editing exhibition texts that make complex ideas accessible without losing scholarly depth;
- Collaborating with colleagues across disciplines — from historians to designers — to weave archaeology seamlessly into the national story.
A Living History
Labyrinthia is more than an exhibition; it is an experiment in storytelling. By presenting history as a network rather than a timeline, it reflects how culture truly evolves: through exchange, influence, and reinterpretation. I am proud that the exhibition has been nominated for a 2025 Dutch Museum Award for its innovative approach to connecting audiences with the past.
Reflection
Working on Labyrinthia reinforced my belief that heritage is not static — it is a living, breathing dialogue between past and present. Seeing visitors recognize themselves in 3,000-year-old objects was a powerful reminder that archaeology helps us navigate our modern labyrinth of identity and belonging.