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Case: What would you take with you? (Thessaloniki, Greece)
The Folklife & Ethnological Museum of Macedonia & Thrace in Thessaloniki, established in 1957, houses a collection of folklore material from northern Greece. Its purpose is to research, preserve, and promote traditional culture through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, and events. In 2016, the museum held an exhibition on the refugee crisis, drawing parallels with the city’s history of migration. The exhibition received positive feedback from newcomers, fostering cultural connections and providing a reprieve from camp life. Challenges included translation difficulties and storytelling mediated by translators. Overall, the experience demonstrated the potential for museums to contribute to the well-being of newcomers and foster understanding between host communities and displaced individuals. Background…
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Case: Verhalenhuis Belvédère, a place built from stories (Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Located in the neighbourhood Katendrecht in Rotterdam a different type of museum has been formed. One that revolves around people and their stories, not around objects. A museum that doesn’t always create exhibitions to showcase these stories. One that knows how to work with communities and is not afraid to travel beyond its own four walls to seek out new connections and partnerships. Since 2008 Verhalenhuis Belvédère (Storyhouse Belvédère) knows how to connect with visitors, the neighbourhood, the city and beyond from all different backgrounds and layers of society. Background In its earlier beginnings the Storyhouse had not yet found a location to call its home. Created by three individuals…
