With a very extraordinary collection of sixty age-old bronze and stone sculptures Kunsthal Rotterdam shows how God is portrayed in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. At the exhibition top pieces from India, Nepal, Cambodiya, China, Korea and Thailand illustrate in what way Buddha and Mahariva and their followers have been portrayed through the ages. The collection, belonging to Viktor and Marianne Langen, is in a state that can be called outstanding and the vast majority of pieces can be dated back as far as the eighth and ninth century. The oldest piece that is presented at the exhibition is a Pakistani torso of a bodhisattva from the second century A.D.

Divine Art

Together with worshipping several Gods, the belief in reincarnation and salvation belongs to the core of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. These three ancient world religions which have spread from the Indian subcontinent over the whole of East Asia and great parts of the world know a great variety of different Gods. At the exhibition it becomes clear which characteristic gestures, postures and attributes typify each distinct God. Besides all this, extensive attention is paid to the development and customs of these three religions.

Top pieces

The collection of religious sculptures that are presented in a serene setting is highly diverse and contains divine sculptures in stone and bronze which originate from a variety of Asian countries, cultures and time periods. A number of the oldest and rarest pieces at the exhibition is that of the bodhisattva's, which are enlightened creatures that are obliged to live a good and unselfish life in order to be redeemed from life on earth. An extraordinary example is that of a bodhisattva from the Chinese Sui Dynasty (581-618), which is wearing an excessive, partly painted crown. The bodhisattvas show the believers the way to salvation, just like the Hindu Shiva, Parvati or Ganesha, and set an example as to how to lead good lives.

Publication

At Asmuth Druck + Crossmedia a bilingual (German and English) publication has been published with the title: Buddhisten, Jainas, Hindus, Auf der Suche nach dem Gottesbild, ISBN 978-3-940661-00-5. During the exhibition this publication will be for sale in our museum shop.

Thanks to

VSBFonds

About your visit

Booking an online ticket in advance is mandatory for everyone, including visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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  • The Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. The Kunsthal Café opens half an hour earlier, so you can visit from 9:30 hrs until half an hour after closing time. Check the current opening hours.

  • Yes, you need to book a ticket with a start time in advance. This also applies if you have a Museum card, Rotterdam pass, or VriendenLoterij VIP Card. This way, you are guaranteed admission and we can ensure that your visit is as pleasant as possible. Book your start time.

  • Yes, with an online ticket, you can visit all the exhibitions that are on display on the date of your visit. You can also stay as long as you like. You are welcome at the Kunsthal from your designated start time until closing time. Book your start time.

  • In de Kunsthal Rotterdam zijn altijd meerdere wisselende en contrastrijke tentoonstellingen tegelijk te zien. Een volledig overzicht van alle actuele tentoonstellingen vind je op de tentoonstellingspagina.

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