Looking for an exhibition that goes beyond beautiful art? Radical Histories: Chicano Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum offers a rare opportunity to discover one of the most influential yet often overlooked art movements in American history.
Featuring around sixty striking prints, posters and graphic works, this exhibition tells the story of the Chicano movement: artists of Mexican heritage in the United States who transformed art into a powerful voice for social justice, identity and cultural pride.
Spanning six decades (1960-2018), Radical Histories explores themes that remain deeply relevant today: civil rights, migration, political activism, community building and the ongoing fight for equality. Through bold visuals and compelling storytelling, these artists challenge familiar historical narratives while celebrating resilience and cultural heritage.
The exhibition is organised around five thought-provoking themes. Discover powerful protest posters created for labour movements, anti-war artworks responding to conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq, moving reflections on the US-Mexico border, critical perspectives on American national myths, and inspiring portraits of activists, lawyers, artists and changemakers whose stories deserve to be remembered.
Radical Histories marks the second collaboration between H’ART Museum and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. This is a unique chance to experience a remarkable chapter of American art history that is rarely shown in Europe. After successful presentations in the United States, including at the Colby College Museum of Art in Maine and The Huntington in California, the exhibition now arrives in Amsterdam.
Visitors can also explore American Myth & Memory: David Levinthal Photographs, making it the perfect cultural day out. Both exhibitions are on view until 6 September.
Whether you’re passionate about contemporary art, history, social justice or simply looking for an inspiring museum experience in Amsterdam, Radical Histories is an exhibition you won’t want to miss.