I see you! Hoorn 2026

What happens when people don't meet through opinions, news reports, or social media, but simply from person to person?

With the outdoor exhibition ‘I See You!’, the Museum of Humanity brings together residents of Hoorn and newcomers from the municipality. People who probably would never have spoken to each other otherwise, but who found each other through shared interests, professions, dreams, and stories. From sports to politics. From care to entrepreneurship. From art to craftsmanship.

In a time when the debate surrounding asylum reception often hardens, ‘I See You!’ aims to create space for something else: genuine encounter. Not to gloss over differences or avoid complicated discussions, but to see each other as human beings again.

The exhibition

From June 10 to July 8, 2026, the free outdoor exhibition can be seen on Stationsweg opposite Hoorn NS Station.

On large panels in the public space, you will discover portraits and personal stories of ten pairs: residents of Hoorn matched with newcomers from Syria, Somalia, Ukraine, Turkey, and other countries. During walks, conversations, and coffee breaks, they got to know each other — without labels, but driven by curiosity and shared humanity.

The stories show what an encounter can do. Sometimes warm and relatable, sometimes confronting or moving. Always real.

Official opening

The official opening will take place on:

Thursday, June 11, 2026
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Het Foreestenhuis
Grote Oost 43, Hoorn

There is room for ninety guests at Het Foreestenhuis. After the opening, visitors will walk together to the exhibition on Stationsweg/Veemarkt. 

Collaboration

‘I See You!’ Hoorn is a project by the Museum of Humanity and was realized in collaboration with, among others:

COA | Municipality of Hoorn | WerkSaam Westfriesland | Junius Fund | Koel Jeugdzorg & JGGZ | Het Foreestenhuis

Find the stories of the exhibition below!