20th-century galleries

Every six months we present new spotlight displays in the 20th-century galleries of the Rijksmuseum. In this edition, special attention is given to fifty years of Surinamese independence.

Srefidensi – 50 Years of Independence for Suriname

On November 25, 1975, Suriname became independent from the Netherlands. This presentation explores the events leading up to this historic moment and the significance of Srefidensi Dey, the national holiday that has been celebrated annually ever since. On display are three traditional angisa headscarves, which convey personal messages through specific folding techniques, as well as photographs by Willem Diepraam, taken in the final years before independence.

Moroccan Youngsters

Also on view is a series of 114 watercolours by Nour-Eddine Jarram (1956), based on photographs that Moroccan youths share on social media. Jarram regards these works as an ode to their identity and visibility. Fascinated by Rembrandt, he moved from Casablanca to Enschede in the 1970s to study at the art academy. In his work, he combines influences from Dutch painting with elements of Islamic art, such as calligraphy.

Photographers and Entrepreneurs during the Nazi Regime

From the early 1930s, an increasing number of Jewish artists fled the rising Nazi regime. Among them were photographers who sought refuge in the Netherlands. Even before Hitler’s rise to power, Hanna Elkan relocated from Berlin to Amsterdam and became the first woman to open an independent photography studio there. In the late 1930s, Eva Besnyö, Lilly Samuel, and Maria Austria followed, establishing their own studios in Amsterdam.

Until May 2026
20th century

ADDRESS

Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair access
Guide dogs allowed
Lifts on every floor

FAQ

Free cloak room
Photography allowed
Free WiFi

OPENING HOURS

Daily 9-17h

Demonstratie bij de Dokwerker voor onafhankelijkheid van Suriname

Demonstration for Suriname's independence at the monument for the Dokwerker Willem Diepraam (1944). Gelatin silver print, 1971

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Angisa ‘Sranang Fri Sranang’, design: Stuart Robles de Medina (1930-2006). Printed cotton, 1975

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Tekening uit serie 'Moroccan Youngsters'

Drawing from the series 'Moroccan Youngsters', Nour-Eddine Jarram (1956) watercolour, 2015-2020

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Self-portrait, Hanna Elkan (1893-1967). Gelatin silver print, 1928-1942

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Kind voor een schap in de zelfbedieningswinkel van de gebroeders Van Woerkom in Nijmegen

Photo from the self-service store series by the Van Woerkom brothers in Nijmegen, Maria Austria (1915-1975). Gelatin silver print, 1949

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20th-century galleries

Srefidensi – 50 Years of Independence for Suriname

Moroccan Youngsters

Photographers and Entrepreneurs during the Nazi Regime

ADDRESS

ACCESSIBILITY

FAQ

OPENING HOURS

Impression

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