On Friday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m., the museum will open its doors for a special evening to celebrate the new exhibition 'Hold close: Identity and Intimacy in late medieval books of hours'. Be among the first to discover this new exhibition.
Practical information
• When: Friday September 25 2026
• Time: 19:00 -23.00 pm
• Where: Rijksmuseum Meermanno (Den Haag)
• Entrance: Free
• RSVP: aanmelden@rijksmuseummeermanno.nl
About the exhibition
This fall we are proud to present a spectacular selection of late medieval books of hours from our collection, in dialogue with works by contemporary female and queer artists.
The traditional view of the Middle Ages is largely dominated by male-centered narratives about church institutions and political power struggles. However, zooming in on these manuscripts shifts that perspective entirely. These books of hours were the very spaces where female patrons and readers found a unique sense of voice and autonomy. This exhibition shows how identity and intimacy invite us to see the past in a new light.
Curated in collaboration with María Pandiello known from the popular Instagram account @visionsofmanuscripts. Featuring works by Natasja Kensmil, Marenne Welten, Dakota Magdalena Mokhammad, Denys Shantar, Raphaëlle Benzimra, and others.
With the support of the Mondriaan Fund, Zabawas, M.A.O.C. Gravin van Bylandt Stichting, Hendrik Mullerfonds, De Gijselaar-Hintzenfonds, Gilles Hondius Foundation, the Embassy of the Kingdom Spain, The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and the Friends of Rijksmuseum Meermanno.
PROGRAMME
19.00 Opening doors
19.30 - 19.45 Welcome by Yoeri Meessen & Stijn Kemper
19.45- 20.00 Introduction by María Pandiello
20.00- 23.00 Exhibition, Drinks & Music
On Friday, September 25, we’re not only opening the new exhibition, but it’s also Hoogtij#85 in The Hague! More than 25 art venues in the city center – from galleries to underground initiatives – will open their doors for free. The perfect opportunity to explore The Hague’s art scene after our opening.