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Opening Party Monster Chetwynd

We open the summer exhibition Monster Chetwynd — A Friends Making Machine in a festive way. Throughout the day, there are performances with the artist, workshops, guided tours and more. Come by and celebrate with us.

Saturday 16 May 2026 from 10:00 to 23:59

Summer Exhibition

Step into the wondrous world of Monster Chetwynd this summer, in her very first outdoor exhibition! In A Friends Making Machine, you’ll discover her large, colourful installations that spark the imagination. They feel like gateways to another universe, built through collage and bricolage from simple materials, and rich with references to film, science and art history.

We open the exhibition with a full day of activities, in the presence of the artist. Experience performances and take part yourself. Join workshops or guided tours, listen to audio tours, and discover the Salamander Portal, the museum’s new additional entrance. All activities are free, no registration required.

 

Performances

For the opening, the artist activates her installations through both existing and new performances. Expect a literal tableau vivant with more than 15 performers in striking costumes, featuring live music, dance and play. This is where the Friends Machine truly comes to life.

 

Programme

  • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm — Shadow Creatures Discovery Lab
    Create a salamander head and take part in the performance The Immortal Salamander
     
  • 10:00 am - 2:00 pm — Activation of the installation Tears (2021)
    Step into a Zorb and experience the installation in a rolling way
     
  • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm — Close-ups
    Short free guided tours (30 minutes), starting at the Visitor Pavilion
     
  • 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm — Performance Bats, Bats, Bats (2026)
    Chetwynd’s bat sculptures come to life, ongoing at the Collection Pavilion
     
  • 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm —Performance Iron Age Pasta Necklaces Workshop (2003/4)
    Ongoing at the Collection Pavilion, feel free to join
     
  • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm — Shared Reading in the Outdoor Library
    Dive into art books about the exhibition (in Dutch)
     
  • 2:30 pm / 3:00 pm / 3:30 pm — Performance The Immortal Salamander (2026)
    A playful inauguration of the Salamander Portal. Put on your salamander head and join in!
     
  • 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm — Official opening exhibition
    With speeches by the artist, the curators and others
     
  • 5:30 pm / 5:50 pm / 6:10 pm — Performance Tears (2021)
    The artist activates her installation with dancers, performers and musicians (20 minutes)
     
  • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm — Dance together
    Celebrate the start of the exhibition by dancing with us
     
  • 7:30 pm — Opening Party at MIKA
    Enjoy a bite, a drink and a party in the museum café

 

Good to know

  • All activities are free
  • You can find all information in the free exhibition newspaper
  • Hosts in the sculpture park will guide you and assist during performances
  • Food trucks are available in the Museum Square