First Exhibition on Calvin in Dordrecht

DORDRECHT, The Netherlands - The “Calvijn & Wij” (Calvin & Us) exhibition can be visited in Dordrecht from 8th May and was officially opened today in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen. It is the first biographical exhibition in the Netherlands about the French philosopher and reformer Jean Cauvin (1509-1564 - aka John Calvin) and about Calvinism as a Dutch cultural phenomenon. In this unconventional historical presentation, visitors can literally live a day in Calvin’s life. The topical and varied nature of the term “Calvinism” is illustrated using photographs and interviews with famous Dutch people.

Animations show Calvin sharing his thoughts with the public. He gives lessons, writes letters, says prayers and enjoys dinner with friends. He speaks passionately about his wife and tells of events in his life and work. Quotations by and about Calvin bring his history even more to life and themed areas look at Calvin’s ideology. The exhibition also includes a number of special 16th and 17th century editions of his work. It also looks at Calvin’s influences in later times and across borders; the significance of the Synod of Dort is examined and the development of Calvin’s psalm book (the Genevan Psalter).

Dordrecht and Calvin

This year, Calvin’s 500th birthday will be commemorated and celebrated around the world, not least in Dordrecht. This city, and the Grote Kerk in particular, is a symbolic location for the exhibition. This is where the national synod was held in 1618 and 1619, a church gathering which played a decisive role in the institutionalisation of Calvin’s doctrine.

There are two more exhibitions to see in Dordrecht this summer: the photographic exhibition “Calvijn & Ik” (Calvin & Me), with photographs of what is regarded as Calvinistic, and the iconographic exhibition “Calvijn in Beeld” (Calvin in Images) at the Dordrechts Museum. There is also a broad cultural programme in the historic city centre, with music, debate, theatre, film and performances.

Partners and cooperation

“Calvijn & Wij” is a coproduction by the Instituut voor

Reformatieonderzoek (Institute for Reformation Studies) of the Theologische Universiteit Apeldoorn (Theological University of Appeldoorn) and the DiEP Heritage Centre in Dordrecht, and is based on a concept by the Musée International de la Réforme (International Museum of the Reformation) in Geneva. The exhibition is staged by Opera Ontwerpers from Amsterdam.

Note for editors:

Calvijn & Wij: 8th May to 31st October 2009, Grote Kerk, Lange Geldersekade 2, Dordrecht.

www.calvijndordrecht.nl

Source: Erfgoedcentrum DiEP

Further information and press documentation: Birre Yazar-Walvis or Marije van Beek, DiEP Heritage Centre, +31-(0)78-649-23-13.