Grrr! A beastly exhibition

From 24 November, the Groninger Museum presents Grrr! A beastly exhibition. The museum searched for art works that do not centre around humankind or landscape, but around animals instead. This yielded an exciting cross section of the varied museum collection. The animals were sheltering in de museum depot, but have been let loose especially for this exhibition.

The zoo contains paintings, drawings, sculptures, and installations from the collections of old, modern, and contemporary art. Have a look at the moving portraits of dogs by Groningen painter Otto Eerelman, cows by the Hague School, Mexican papier-mâché monsters, and Japanese prints showing horses on the battlefield. Some animals have a symbolic meaning, as the Asian carp that, swimming upstream, symbolises characteristics as courage, power, and perseverance. Other animals, however, seem to have been depicted just for their beauty.

Activities for young and old

During the exhibition, all kinds of activities will be organised. Children, for example, can do a scavenger hunt among the animals and there is an audio guide available in three languages (English, German, and Dutch). Also, during weekends museum employees walk round in the exhibition rooms looking for stories about the art works together with the visitors. Furthermore, during weekends between 12 and 4.30 PM our studio is the right place for artists of all ages to invent and create their own imaginary beasts.

Grrr! A beastly exhibition is on display at the Groningen Museum from 24 November 2018 until 31 March 2019. The exhibition is suitable for young and old alike, and admittance for children up to 18 is free.