Did you know that the origins of the Van Abbemuseum lie in the tobacco plantations of the former Dutch East Indies? The museum opened its doors in 1936 through his dedication and as a financial gift from cigar dealer Henri van Abbe. The tobacco he traded and with which he amassed his wealth came mainly from plantations on Deli (in Sumatra), where working and living conditions were horric and dehumanizing.
Ongoing research
To tell a more complete story, we present the research Hidden Connectio…
Did you know that the origins of the Van Abbemuseum lie in the tobacco plantations of the former Dutch East Indies? The museum opened its doors in 1936 through his dedication and as a financial gift from cigar dealer Henri van Abbe. The tobacco he traded and with which he amassed his wealth came mainly from plantations on Deli (in Sumatra), where working and living conditions were horric and dehumanizing.
Ongoing research
To tell a more complete story, we present the research Hidden Connections in the basement of the museum; where attention is paid to the oppression and resistance on these plantations. Together with our visitor, we want to learn about our colonial past and its consequences, which are still felt today. In March 2024, we will supplement the stories from the cellar with findings from the ongoing research in Sumatra and in the Netherlands.
Broader Story Tour
Want to know more? In the Broader Story Tour, you can already listen to more in-depth information about the history of the museum. Download the Smartify app (Google Play store) (Apple store) and listen to the tour at home or in the museum.
