It's our history!

"On the 26th of October 2007, the Museum of Europe", in collaboration with the Scientastic museum, "will be opening its doors to welcome you to an exhibition staged to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, marking half a century of European unification." It's our history! 50 years of the European adventure will take place in Brussels at the site of Tour & Taxis until the 23rd of March 2008.

The Museum of Europe is a project with the intent to illustrate and strengthen the European identity. The idea came from a group of historians and cultural promoters from civil society, about nine years ago. Their aim was to take Europeans back to the roots of their shared civilisation. They have already organised two ‘exploratory exhibitions’, La Belle Europe (fall 2001-spring 2002) and Dieu(x), modes d’emploi (27 October 2006 – 6 May 2007), in Brussels. Following the success of Dieu(x), which portrayed the resemblances between different religions, the exhibit went to Paris and Madrid.

The essential idea behind It's our history! is that "we are all protagonists in this incredible adventure, this ongoing quest to unify Europe." "From the devastated Europe of 1945 to the challenges that are today facing our continent, visitors will come face to face with History with a capital H but also with their own more personal history. ... The exhibition boasts the state-of-the art resources of contemporary museography: backdrops, films, multimedia and interactive tools guide you through exhibits that have been chosen above all for their authenticity." To get a feeling of how the exhibit will look, you can check out some videos here.

The description above is comprised of impressive words. I only hope that the exhibit can live up to the evoked expectations. At the least it is an effort to promote Europe to its' citizens. To most people it's merely an abstract idea used only to give more power to men and women in suits. The fact is that the European Union has a real impact on our daily lives, even if we don't notice it anymore. If I can find the time to go, I'll keep you updated.

Practical Info: From October 26, 2007 until March 23, 2008

At Tour & Taxis, 86 avenue du Port/Havenlaan – 1000 Brussels

Languages: French, Dutch, English, German.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday, Sunday, public holidays: 10 am to 6 am, School holidays: 10 am to 6 am
Duration of the visit: 1h30 – 2h00
Price: 10 €

Update: Our visit.