Exhibition "Heroes" to open at De Hallen, Amsterdam ahead of SIOP 2025 Congress
Image from Prinses Máxima Centrum
Exhibition "Heroes" to open at De Hallen, Amsterdam ahead of SIOP 2025 Congress
Updated 14 October 2025 at 11:50
In the lead-up to the SIOP 2025 World Congress on Paediatric Oncology, a new exhibition titled "Heroes: a world without childhood cancer" is set to open at De Hallen Amsterdam on 16 October 2025. The exhibition is realised in collaboration with the Amsterdam Convention Bureau, the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, the SIOP Congress, and De Hallen Amsterdam. It will be officially inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Máxima and will remain on view until 15 November 2025, open to the public free of charge.
"Heroes: a world without childhood cancer"
Heroes showcases imaginative artworks by children living with cancer in the Netherlands, Indonesia, Suriname, Kenya and Armenia. Each child created a superhero embodying courage, resilience and hope in the fight against childhood cancer. Their drawings have been reimagined by professional illustrators as large-scale cinematic posters, displayed throughout De Passage at De Hallen.
An accompanying exhibition in the Gallery Room provides additional context, including educational materials, an interactive game for children and information about the global 80/20 survival-rate paradox.
The 80/20 paradox: addressing international inequality in children's oncology care
The exhibition draws attention to the stark inequality in global paediatric oncology outcomes. While 80% of children with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, only 20% of them survive. In wealthier nations, this ratio is reversed. Through its international partnerships and training initiatives, the Princess Máxima Center works to close this gap and improve access to diagnosis, treatment and research worldwide.
Part of the SIOP impact programme
Opening just before the SIOP World Congress on Paediatric Oncology (20–23 October 2025, RAI Amsterdam), Heroes forms part of the SIOP Impact Programme – a public initiative developed in cooperation with the Amsterdam Convention Bureau and the Princess Máxima Center. The programme connects the congress with the wider community, making scientific themes visible and accessible across the city while touching on global issues in childhood oncology.
