Advocating for Tranquility and Liberty
In the heart of Apeldoorn, Netherlands, and Düsseldorf, Germany, a unique exhibition is underway, marking the 75th anniversary of peace and freedom in both cities. The Mahn and Memorial Site, located at Muhlенstrasse 29, has reopened its doors to the public since May 12th, hosting an exhibition titled "75 Years of Peace and Freedom in Apeldoorn and Düsseldorf."
This exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Gelre Association International Apeldoorn and the Mahn and Memorial Site, with the aim of fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between young people from both nations. The project, which began in September 2019, has seen students from Düsseldorf's Friedrich-Rückert-Gymnasium and Apeldoorn's Veluws College Mheenpark researching the historical situation in the spring of 1945, resistance actions, and their significance for the present.
On April 17, 1945, both Apeldoorn and Düsseldorf were liberated without a fight, following independent surrender attempts by resistance groups in both cities on April 16, 1945. This significant event in history serves as the backdrop for the exhibition, providing a historical context for peace and freedom in Europe.
The exhibition consists of ten panels in English, offering a photographic and informative retrospective of the project. Visitors can expect to see displays showcasing the aftermath of World War II, the reconstruction process, and the establishment of peace in Europe. There will also be cultural exchange elements, featuring art, music, and literature from both countries that reflect themes of peace and freedom.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the exhibition is the inclusion of youth perspectives. Contributions from young participants in the exchange program will share their thoughts on peace and freedom in the modern era, offering a fresh and insightful viewpoint.
Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus Protection Ordinance, visitor numbers at the Mahn and Memorial Site are limited. A maximum of 10 visitors can be present at the site at the same time while adhering to hygiene and distancing rules. Visitors are also required to wear a mouth and nose covering.
Despite these challenges, the exhibition promises to be a valuable opportunity for fostering international understanding and promoting peace. If you're in the Apeldoorn or Düsseldorf area, be sure to visit the Mahn and Memorial Site and witness this unique exhibition for yourself. The Mahn and Memorial Site is open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm, and closed on Monday. Admission is free.
For more information about the exhibition or the project, please visit the Mahn and Memorial Site's website or contact the Gelre Association International Apeldoorn.
The exhibition, "75 Years of Peace and Freedom in Apeldoorn and Düsseldorf," not only showcases the historical context of the cities' liberation in 1945, but also delves into contemporary discussions on peace and freedom, incorporating insights from young participants in a home-and-garden-like setting that embodies sustainable-living principles, as part of the cultural exchange between both nations.
