in detail
The South Holland Museum of Resistance at the Turfmarkt in the centre of Gouda was opened on the initiative of the Gouda »5 May Committee« in 1986. Its exhibition takes the history of The Second World War as a starting point for a discourse on the practice of and crimes against fundamental and human rights.
Its permanent exhibition presents an image of the Netherlands during occupation (1940-1945). Original texts and artefacts exhibit what resistance can signify for mankind. Hiding places for those who had to go underground and reports from illegal publications are some of the examples here. Temporary exhibitions present various thematic topics to show how resistance has been formed again and again in history, or how organizations are active today in the fight to attain human rights. The exhibitions are created in collaboration with both eyewitnesses and young people.
The Museum of Resistance fulfils an important function in the region through guided tours, visits to schools, its travelling exhibitions as well as the publication of educational material.
The South Holland Museum of Resistance is located in a former bank building at the Turfmarkt in Gouda. It was initiated in 1985 by a local group. While an earlier permanent exhibition concentrated on the Second World War and the resistance in South Holland, the exhibition today looks at the attainment of fundamental and human rights in a broader context. The motto of the Museum of Resistance is »Resistance is action against injustice and apathy«.
March 1985
Establishment of the South Holland Museum of Resistance Foundation.
Mid 1986
Opening of the Museum of Resistance in the former bank building at the Turfmarkt.
Since 1994
Change of the objective and concept of the Museum of Resistance.
10 October 1996
Reopening of the permanent exhibition after reconstruction.
2002
Completely new programme of temporary exhibitions, organized under the motto: 'Resistance is action against injustice and apathy'.
Gouda, undated, Front view of the museum, South Holland Museum of Resistance.
Gouda, 2003, Young people, participating in an art competition in the museum, South Holland Museum of Resistance.
Gouda, undated, A Jewish star sewn onto clothing, displayed in the exhibition, South Holland Museum of Resistance.
