Up until then, no one had ever done it: the young, international crew of the Belgica got stuck in the ice, and had to survive in the freezing cold for a year. They fell ill due to poor nutrition and had an extra hard time mentally during the long polar night without daylight. But they continued pioneering scientific research: they mapped new areas with Belgian-sounding names and collected unknown fauna and flora.
To free themselves, the expedition members did the impossible: with great perseverance, they sawed a way through the ice to free their ship. Just before a second polar winter began, the Belgica set sail back to Belgium.
In this expo, you travelled with the expedition yourself. Diaries of the crew, beautiful photos and authentic parts of the expedition ship brought this incredible adventure back to life.
The exhibition was created in cooperation with International Polar Foundation, the foundation behind the Princess Elisabeth Station in Antarctica.
© Library of the Romanian Academy - Arhiva Emil Racovita
© Library of the Romanian Academy - Arhiva Emil Racovita
© AS.1958.052.015, Collection City of Antwerp, MAS
The Antarctic today
The exhibition also told the story of Antarctica today: how scientists are still conducting groundbreaking scientific research there. This topical part of the exhibition was created in collaboration with the International Polar Foundation.
Art in the exhibition
ESTHER KOKMEIJER, TERRA NULLIUS — OWNERSHIP AND PIONEERING ON ICE. PHOTO: GUNNAR MEIER, © RADIUS CCA
Throughout the exhibition, Dutch artist Esther Kokmeijer invited visitors to reflect on the area. In her artwork 'Terra Nullius', she draws attention to Antarctica's geopolitical protected status.
As a statement to keep Antarctica pristine, she used correction tape to make all details invisible on almost 50 maps of the continent. With this installation, she talks about the relationship of man and politics towards this piece of nature.
Practical
- A temporary exhibition about the Antarctic and the voyage of the ship Belgica to reach it.
From 21 June to 3 November 2024.
To do
