For the first time in the Netherlands
LISTEN is a pop-up exhibition by the War Childhood Museum. What began as a small grassroots initiative in Sarajevo has since grown into an organization with branches in Kyiv, New York, Sarajevo, and The Hague. Its ever-expanding collection comprises more than 5,000 personal items, each with its own story. Hundreds of hours of video footage have also been collected, in which children share their experiences of conflict situations. From wars in Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan to the Bosnian War and World War II. For the first time, LISTEN’s unique collection is on display in the Netherlands.
“A therapy dog saved my life.”
As a visitor, you’ll experience the resilience and creativity of children in difficult times. Take the story of Dmytro from Ukraine. During a mortar attack, his stuffed dog took a bullet, saving his own life. Dmytro: “Ever since then, the dog has felt like my best friend. I could tell him everything, even my deepest fears. I’ve decided to donate my dog to the museum because I think it’s time to find a real dog to share my feelings with. Ideally, I’d like a Shar-Pei or a Boxer.”
The stuffed animal that took a bullet for Dmytro. It was patched up and is now on display here.
A highly acclaimed collection
As the winner of the Council of Europe Prize, the War Childhood Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the impact of armed conflict on childhood. According to founder Jasminko Halilovic, LISTEN helps us understand the importance of peace in a unique way. Acclaimed author Téa Obreht describes the exhibition as a “crucial tribute to the indomitability of life.”
FOR CHILDREN
Listen, I'm whispering
“Paulientje is my doll. My mom gave her to me. She has really big ears. My mom made them that way so that ‘Plientje’ always listens to me. Even when I’m scared. When I whisper almost inaudibly, she hears me, even when I’m far away.”
The Storyteller tells the story of Paulientje. She is a very special doll. Paulientje comes to the Storyteller in a special way and leaves again in the same way. She lives in a mason jar. Paulientje has big ears that let her listen very well. Even stranger, even without those ears, she would hear every word, even if you whispered.
A castle was built as a safe haven in times of war. Heeswijk Castle is therefore delighted to be the first in the Netherlands to present LISTEN. Moreover, the Christmas season is a time of reconciliation and the perfect moment to share these stories with our visitors.
This exhibition was made possible in part by:
- Adrianus Foundation
- Gerardus Fund
- Support Fund Foundation
- V-Fund
- Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of Mercy
- Rotary Club of Eindhoven Center
- Rotary Club of Soeterbeek
