Exhibition
The former Dutch colonies: from the Second World War to independence
About
An exhibition at Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam about the former Dutch colonies during the Second World War and the path to independence, told through more than thirty personal stories. Thursday 29 October 2026, 10:00–17:00.
What to expect
The exhibition looks at the Second World War in the former Dutch colonies: Indonesia, Suriname and the six Dutch Caribbean islands.
- More than thirty personal stories
- Indonesian, Surinamese and Caribbean perspectives
- Indonesia under Japanese occupation and resistance
- Suriname and the Caribbean and the Allied war industry
- Ends with decolonisation and its lasting impact
Questions
When does The former Dutch colonies: from the Second World War to independence start and end?
The former Dutch colonies: from the Second World War to independence runs Sunday, 8 November 2026, 10:00 until 17:00.
Where is The former Dutch colonies: from the Second World War to independence?
The former Dutch colonies: from the Second World War to independence takes place at Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam, Plantage Kerklaan 61, Amsterdam.
How much are tickets for The former Dutch colonies: from the Second World War to independence?
The former Dutch colonies: from the Second World War to independence is free to enter.
What does the exhibition show?
It shows the Second World War in the former Dutch colonies and how the war contributed to the move toward independence.
More than thirty personal stories
Perspectives of Indonesians, Surinamese and Caribbean islanders
Indonesia under Japanese occupation, and resistance to Japan and the Netherlands
Suriname and the Caribbean islands as important to the Allied war industry
The aftermath: decolonisation and how the colonial past still carries through today
Which colonies does the exhibition cover?
Indonesia, Suriname and the six Dutch Caribbean islands.
Amsterdam
Getting there
Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam, Plantage Kerklaan 61, 1018 CX Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NL
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