Workshop: maak je eigen rariteitenkabinetje

All museums, including the Natural History Museum, were created from what was brought back during world travels that people undertook from the 16th century onwards. Special plants, animals, shells, stones, art and much more (mostly from tropical and exotic places and unknown to us at the time) were exhibited in 'cabinets of curiosities'. These cabinets eventually became filled barns, houses, palaces and many years later our museums. They are the source of inspiration for artist Ab Bol who exhibited in the Natural History Museum in 2024 with his exhibition Cosilium Humanum - Map of Man.

In this workshop you will get the chance to make such a cabinet yourself filled with all kinds of things that you can find in nature: twigs, flowers, seeds, remains of animals such as beetle shields, feathers, bones and such. First you will gain insight into Ab's cabinets and their theme and then you will get started yourself. Artist Ab and his sister Tonny will be there for you for questions, help and inspiration.

You think about what the cabinet should be about; a coherent theme or subject. It can be something that has to do with people, for example love, friendship, sadness or something that you often think about yourself. That will be the title of your cabinet for which you look for suitable materials. If you already have something beautiful from nature at home, bring it along. Ab and Tonny also provide various materials and a box in which you can make something beautiful.

Of course you can take your work home with you. Where are you going to put or hang your cabinet?