What does it mean to experience homelessness, and how does it shape someone’s life? A new exhibition at Atrium City Hall in The Hague invites visitors to look beyond assumptions and discover the people, experiences and creativity behind homelessness.
Meer dan Dakloos (More than Homeless), presented by the Municipality of The Hague from 12 to 24 October 2026, features the work of six artists who have experienced homelessness or insecure housing.
The exhibition was organised around World Homeless Day on 10 October, an international occasion dedicated to raising awareness of homelessness.
Looking Beyond Homelessness
Through their artwork, the six participating artists share personal perspectives on their experiences.
For some, homelessness is a central theme in their work. Others explore subjects such as identity, resilience, dreams and everyday life.
Together, their work highlights an important message: homelessness may have a profound effect on someone’s circumstances, but it does not define who they are.
Visitors are encouraged to see the individuals behind the label and recognise that homelessness can affect people from many different backgrounds.
Portraits and Personal Stories
The exhibition includes portraits by documentary photographer Jeffrey Grouwstra and interviews by journalist Judith Eykelenboom.
Their work offers further insight into the lives of the participating artists, including the experiences that have shaped them and the challenges they have faced.
Grouwstra’s photography focuses on personal stories connected to wider social issues. He is also the founder of KijkLab, a studio specialising in participatory photography.
Eykelenboom explores the people behind the stories, giving greater visibility to experiences and perspectives that are often overlooked.
Raising Awareness in The Hague
At the exhibition’s opening, aldermen Arjen Dubbelaar, responsible for social shelter, and Kavish Partiman, responsible for housing, highlighted the importance of understanding homelessness beyond the familiar stereotypes.
The municipality also draws attention to less visible forms of homelessness, including people temporarily staying with friends or relatives or living in other insecure housing arrangements.
The exhibition aims to encourage greater understanding of these experiences and the importance of having a stable place to live.
Practical Information
Exhibition: Meer dan Dakloos (More than Homeless)
Dates: 12–24 October 2026
Location: Atrium City Hall, Spui 70, The Hague
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 07:00–19:00; Thursday 07:00–21:30. The Atrium is closed on Sundays and on Saturday 17 October due to maintenance.
More information: More than Homeless – Atrium City Hall (English)
Source: Municipality of The Hague and Atrium City Hall.
Image credit: Jeffrey Grouwstra