Drag in Amsterdam

From Valentine's Day to Superball

The exhibition takes you through the diversity of drag culture and shows how drag has developed in Amsterdam. From seventeenth-century examples of gender expression and men in female roles on stage to Hartjesdag on the Zeedijk. From cabaret in theaters to the underground clubs of the 80s, and from drag bingo in small pubs to stiletto races at the Drag Olympics and spectacular lip-sync battles during Superball at Paradiso.

Drag and activism

Self-expression, creativity, freedom, and visibility are central to this exhibition. Attention is also paid to the role of drag in activism: from benefit shows and safe sex education during the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s and 1990s to the visibility of drag artists at protests and Pride events. Drag is a powerful voice in the fight for acceptance and equality.

Claim Your Space

In addition to the exhibition in the hall, the Treasury features a supplementary *Claim Your Space * presentation about the Hellun Zelluf Foundation, founded by Hellun Zelluf and her drag family. This foundation played a crucial role in the fight against AIDS in the 1990s. Through humor, creativity, and benefit shows, they broke down stigmas and provided education on safe sex. Using unique archival documents, you will discover how drag and activism came together in the fight for visibility and acceptance regarding AIDS in Amsterdam.