Maps unfolded | Explore 7 centuries of cartography in new exhibition

Published on 30-03-2023 16:22

From ancient atlases to modern street maps. Maps have always played an important role in human history and are still indispensable in our modern world. The way we use and interpret maps is constantly changing and reflects contemporary trends. Once a month, the Library highlights a theme from the new exhibition Maps unfolded-from atlas to street map at the Allard Pierson. This time: the opening.

Show information for your study programme

You're currently viewing general information. Choose your study programme to see additional information that's specific to your study programme, such as deadlines, regulations and contact details.

Show information for programme:

What is your study programme?

As of March, the exhibition Maps unfolded - from atlas to street map is opened in the museum Allard Pierson. The exhibition takes you through seven centuries of maps and atlases, dating from 15th-century drawings to the maps of the future. Discover the diversity of maps the Netherlands has to offer and learn more about the colonial relations and geographical developments behind these maps. Moreover, work by contemporary artists who have been inspired by the phenomenon of maps and 'mapping' will be on display. UvA staff and students pay a reduced rate to visit the exhibition.

One of the largest collections worldwide

All maps in the exhibition, including works by Blaeu, Ortelius, Ptolemaeus and Bos, are part of the cartography collection held at the Allard Pierson. This collection, consisting of about 135,000 maps, 4,500 atlases and a number of globes, is among the largest in the Netherlands and among the larger collections in the world. Many of the maps are on long-term loan from the Royal Dutch Geographical Society (KNAG), which celebrates its 150th anniversary in March.

Amsterdam, the map capital

Maps unfolded starts in Amsterdam with a unique large city map from 1625 full of small details. Most of the maps in the exhibition were made in Amsterdam. Not surprising when you consider that Amsterdam was the world's leading producer of maps in the seventeenth century. Nowhere else were such accurate and beautiful maps made as in the Kalverstraat and on the Damrak, where Frederick de Wit and Willem and Joan Blaeu, among others, had their workshops.

Colonial relationships

After Amsterdam, the exhibition zooms out to the Netherlands, Europe and the world. You will discover that behind every map there is a story. Old and more recent maps testify to geographical developments, the Netherlands' dealings with water and changing borders, and to colonial relationships. Maps unfolded also pays special attention to maps of Indonesia, Suriname and the Antilles.

A look into the future

Maps unfolded is spread over several rooms in the Allard Pierson. Each room highlights one of the maps for visitors to examine. Besides a rich history of maps, the exhibition also casts a glance into the future. How will cartography continue to develop? A separate room is devoted to the very latest cartographic techniques, a collaboration with the Amsterdam technology company TomTom.

The exhibition Open map - from atlas to street map can be seen from 2 March to 16 July 2023.

Buy your ticketExternal link