LEIDEN – Around 30 prehistoric artifacts from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom will be showcased in the upcoming exhibition “Above Ground – 25 Years of Archaeological Discoveries” at the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) in Leiden.
The exhibition, set to open on April 22, will be attended by Queen Máxima alongside representatives from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. Featuring more than 500 archaeological finds from the years 2000 to 2025, the exhibition explores the stories, scientific research, and emotions behind these discoveries.
Showcasing Centuries of History
Visitors will have the chance to see iconic artifacts such as “Barry,” a ship figurehead recovered from the North Sea near Texel, and “Krijn,” the first Neanderthal remains found in the Netherlands. The exhibition also gives a platform to lesser-known yet significant archaeological finds from across the Kingdom.
These discoveries, sourced from 90 different lenders, include contributions from museums, provincial repositories, and private collectors in both the Netherlands and the Caribbean islands.
A Landmark Museum for Archaeology
The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is the national center for archaeology in the Netherlands and one of the country’s five oldest museums. It holds a national collection of over 240,000 archaeological artifacts, spanning ancient Egypt, the Near East, Greek and Roman civilizations, and early Dutch history.
This exhibition marks a significant moment for the Caribbean region, highlighting its deep historical ties within the Kingdom and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of its people.