Exhibition: 'Presence of the Past. A European Album'

• 27 photographic projects from all over Europe in the 21st century

• 110 photographs and 6 video works exploring the diversity of our relationship with history

• 7 exhibition chapters showing how we invite the past into our present

Why history? What is behind our need for history, and our use of the past? Europeans engage with the past in highly diverse ways, from commemorating historical events to participating in re-enactments, from taking tourist selfies to destroying monuments, from digging up forgotten pasts to keeping private collections. 

What are we searching for when we connect with history? Are we seeking an identity that goes beyond our own lives? Are we longing for social connection or political community? The exhibition is divided into seven sections exploring different types of engagement with the past and the various needs and motivations behind them.

Guided tour of ‘Presence of the Past’

An active focus on selected photographs

The guided tour is based on public participation using the “Visible Thinking Method”, which encourages observations of the photographs before going into a facilitated discussion based on what is seen, reflections, interpretations, facts about the documentary photographs and concepts of the exhibition. 

Duration: groups of 10 - 15 persons can book a 90-minutes guided tour

Languages: English, French, German or Dutch.

Booking time: one month in advance.

The tour is designed for the general audience, aged 16 years old and over. Book via the museum’s online booking platform. School groups may also book these tours. To prepare, teachers may request the catalogue of the exhibition in electronic format via email.

Find more information about the exhibition here: https://historia.europa.eu/en/exhibitions-events/temporary-exhibitions/presence-past-european-album