The exhibition ‘Extraordinary history. Transgender in The Netherlands’ tells about the long way of prejudice and exclusion towards emancipation and recognition. Seventy years of Dutch transgender history comes together in a visually rich exhibition including large portraits, film interviews and unique objects.

The exhibition consists of a system of reusable scaffolding covered with overlapping layers of fabric, forming a long washing line. Six large portraits of ambassadors tell the story over six time periods. A curtain fabric was chosen for each period, representing the zeitgeist, gradually increasing in transparency. The fabrics also get shorter: the installation opens up. 

The exhibition is designed to be flexible and modular, in able to travel to different locations, adapting to the space. While claiming a fair amount of exhibition space, the installation can be transported in a single van.

The exhibition is curated by historian Alex Bakker following his book ‘Transgender in The Netherlands’, and commissioned by LGBTI heritage organisation IHLIA.