Het Begin, Het Einde, De Toekomst (The Beginning, The End, The Future) - Canondagen 2026 Event EVENT CONCEPT for Nationaal Monument Oranjehotel
An accessible event concept for Canon Days that connects the crosses of the Waalsdorpervlakte to the individuals behind them and their stories, and later invites visitors to actively engage with this part of the history and exhibition.

During my research, I found out that it’s very easy to find information about Waalsdorpervlaakte and the crosses. But having that information, I wanted to find out more about the victims that the crosses and ceremonies are honoring and that wasn’t so easy. 

The concept is built around three simple steps. First, we show where the men came from across the Netherlands and who they were before being executed to create a personal connection for the visitor. Second, we show where their lives ended, at the Waalsdorpervlakte and they learn more about the crosses as a meaningful piece in Oranjehotel’s collection. And third, we invite visitors to respond to these stories themselves and become a part of the future memory of these men and their stories. They create a personal input and get a souvenir to keep the momery alive after they leave Oranjehotel”





Concept




Next to the crosses, we create a large map of the Netherlands. On this map, there are pins representing the men who were executed. Each pin has a card with a name and a photograph and on the other side of the paper the city where they came from and a short story explaining who they were andwhy they were imprisoned. This allows visitors to immediately recognize places they know and come from, which creates a personal connection and a feeling that history isn’t as far as it seems.

After learning about the victims and connecting, the visitor understands better the importance of the crosses of the Waalsdorpervlakte. Now they read and learn more about Waalsdorpervlaakte and the impressive part of Oranjehotel’s collection.

Visitors are then invited to personally respond and contribute in a workshop space. They can write or draw a short remembrance based on the person they chose or the whole group of victims. For example, they can write a message, a short letter, or create a simple drawing or symbol. The activity is open-ended, but always connected to the crosses. It's also accesible to all age groups, from children to older visitors.

All contributions are displayed on a cork wall opposite the map, creating a growing collective memory throughout the day.

At the end, visitors receive a flower bulb as a symbolic gesture. It represents a living form of remembrance that they can take home or plant. Also, it rounds up the whole experience, as they don’t leave Oranjehotel in the past, but take a memory home. 

With this concept, the crosses are not only shown as historical objects, but connected to the people they represent and given their meaning. Visitors are have a simple, low effort and meaningful way to engage. It’s a fully rounded up experience.




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