Under the spell of GOLD

The exhibition, which focuses on the relationship between people and materials, opens to the public on December 21. It is the first time that Wereldmuseum is exhibiting such an extensive collection of gold objects, including 10 crown pieces of the Dutch Royal Family, supplemented with rare objects from important national and international collections. In addition to gold jewelry, grave goods, death masks, crowns and wedding gifts, there is also work on display by contemporary artists and fashion designers with a fascination for the exceptionally valuable material. The goal? Visitors in 7 wonderful and sometimes confrontational spaces experience how the eternal element, born from stardust, drives people worldwide and throughout time to extremes.

Gold is universally the symbol of prosperity, power, divinity and spirituality. But this coin has a downside. Worldwide, this precious metal has inspired an unquenchable thirst, a desire that has built and destroyed nations, enriched and robbed people, and changed the course of history. Under the spell of GOLD tells the broader story. Featuring more than 436 objects ranging from historical artifacts to contemporary artworks by 19 artists from 10 different countries worldwide, the exhibition explores the duality of gold: how it both connects and dazzles, and how it both admires and divides.

Under the spell of GOLD was designed by Carlo Wijnands, known for exhibitions such as 'Marilyn Monroe' in De Nieuwe Kerk and 'Juwelen' in the Hermitage Amsterdam. Visitors are immersed in the world of gold through Wijnands' theatrical effects and can also actively participate thanks to the interactive experiences. The variety of atmospheres and the wide variety of objects provides an unforgettable experience.