How History Lives Within Us

During Open Jewish Homes on 4 May, stories about victims and survivors of the Second World War are shared. Or join the Freedom Meal on 5 May, where we come together to reflect on the theme of Understanding History.

Open Jewish Homes - Family and art dealer Bernard Houthakker

Monday 4 May 2026

• Ateliergebouw Rijksmuseum, Hobbemastraat 22
  
• Doors open at 16.45h and the programme runs from 17-17.45h
  
• 50 spots available
  
• Free of charge
  

During Open Jewish Homes, Rijksmuseum provenance researcher Hester Kuiper will take you through the story of the Amsterdam-Jewish family of Bernard and Marion Houthakker-Lichtenstein. They were the owners of the Amsterdam art dealership Bernard Houthakker. Over the years, the Rijksmuseum had close ties with this art dealership and acquired hundreds of artworks from it.

During the Second World War, the dealership came under severe pressure due to the occupiers’ anti-Jewish measures. The Houthakker-Lichtenstein couple, along with their two teenage sons Henk and Lodewijk, were eventually deported to Westerbork transit camp. To prevent the seizure and closure of their business, the couple temporarily transferred the dealership to non-Jewish intermediaries during the war. Thanks in part to the support of friends, clients, and staff, the family survived the hostile circumstances and managed to save the art dealership.

Rijksmuseum x Bevrijdingsdans Festival Freedom Meal

Tuesday 5 May 2026

• Rijksmuseum gardens, Museumstraat
  
• 12-13.30h
  
• 50 spots available
  
• Free of charge
  

The Rijksmuseum and Bevrijdingsdans Festival are once again hosting a special edition of the Freedom Meal in the Rijksmuseum ardens, reflecting on the theme understanding history through the lens of freedom. Invited guests and walk-ins come together to share a meal and engage in conversation, guided by a moderator.

Be enchanted by a captivating dance performance by the duo Pedro Ricardo Henry and Nick van Cleef. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of same-sex partners, they present a dance as two grooms. The choreography is a powerful and moving fusion of salsa and contemporary dance, centered on love, equality, and freedom.

For the Freedom Meal, Bevrijdingsdans Festival has invited community groups from Amsterdam Zuid, including Stichting Lana, Dynamo, Oranjekerk Amsterdam, and Voor Elkaar in Zuid. Together with other participants, they form a diverse table where connection and conversation about freedom take center stage.

As part of the Metamorphoses exhibition, the Rijksmuseum and PACT Amsterdam are collaborating on two special dance performances, which will later be presented during the festival at Museumplein. Dance students and creators draw inspiration from the theme of change and transformation.

Thanks

This project is supported by the VSBfonds. This fund supports initiatives by and for everyone who wants to actively participate in society. It does so through donations, practical expertise, and networks. The fund aims to contribute to self-reliance and community resilience in the Netherlands by supporting social and cultural projects and providing scholarships.