The Tropenmuseum
Written: Dec 12 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Interesting, interactive and educational
Cons: An often overlooked attraction
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| Kallisti's Full Review: Amsterdam Museums |
The museum-going highlight of my trip to Amsterdam surprisingly turned out to be the Tropenmuseum (also hailed by ptieman in one of his Amsterdam travelogues).
The Tropenmuseum (Tropical Museum)is located in the east side of Amsterdam, near Ooster Park (the eastern park). Oficially known as the KIT(an anacronym which roughly translates as the Tropical Culture Institute), KIT also hosts the Kindermuseum ( Children's Museum)in the same building.
A local person told me that the Tropen was where the Dutch traders used to house the booty -- gold, diamonds and priceless totems -- they traded African and tropical natives for Dutch technology such as shaving mirrors and magnifying glasses. I'm sure he was exaggerating, but it was clearly the same trading savy that resulted in Manhattan Island in exchange for some beads.
Sensitized by the moral horror of WWII, the KIT now apologetically makes up for bygone indescretions with it's agenda of civil rights, humanitarian efforts and advocacy of ecology. Although the concern with our earthly environment is important to Dutch interests. The theorized possibility of melting ice caps would cause the lowlands of the Netherlands the most serious problems first. Good thing they have lots of house boats!
The year 2000 exhibition that is currently drawing to a close is an exploration of rhythm, time, tide, ebb, flow and cycles. Particularly memorable was an educational video which illustrated the function of the clave in traditional rhythms. Tempo, timing and beats were transliterated into animated polygons, with the five-sided pentagon of the clave centering the even beats of various time signatures and polyrhythms.
A permanent exhibit on the second floor features a a shanty-town street from a poor, rural village from India that was purchased and reconstructed on site in the museum.
The cafe here is an excellent place for lunch, and the gift shop offers affordable treasures from the third world.
A great place for kids and adults. The most active and vital museum in a city of many museums.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Kallisti
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