Request for Silence

Request for Silence explores the role of silence in our society – or rather, its absence. What is silence? What value does it hold, and what are its downsides? Did silence mean something different in the past? Can one ask for silence? Is it a right? And how do visual artists interpret and express silence through their work?

In the exhibition Request for Silence, fourteen visual artists invite the public to reflect on these questions together with other creatives such as musicians and poets. The exhibition opens on Sunday, October 26, 2025, coinciding with the Dutch Day of Silence.

The meaning of silence is deeply personal and shaped by the times we live in. Once, the world was quieter — no endless traffic, phone calls, or social media chatter. To explore this personal and historical dimension, artists from diverse disciplines and generations have joined forces for this exhibition. Together with visitors, they seek out what silence means today.

The exhibition features new works by fourteen artists: Margreet Boonstra, Marianne Brouwer, Peter Durieux, Miriam Knibbeler, Christiaan Kuitwaard, Hessel Miedema, Jet van Oosten, Leonard Witte, Alida Everts, Janke Klompmaker, Nattesokken, Mijke Buskes, Karel Buskes, and Annemiek Vos.

In addition to the exhibition, there is an extensive side program featuring lectures, music, poetry, and meditation. Visit our website for the complete schedule and further details.