De-democratization and Re-democratization

Explore four exhibitions from the Museum of Re-Democratization highlighting key themes of democratic decline and renewal in the Senaatskamer and room 0102 of the Academy Building!

According to the Ancient Greeks, a demokratia is a “rule by the people” – a society in which the General Will is foundational. However, is this minimum criterion enough to sustain a truly democratic society?

Even the strongest procedural democracies can be quietly eroded by the invisible forces of populism. Our project sheds light on the issues of creating a “tyranny of the majority” through a recreated museum dedicated to prevalent themes of democratic backsliding and redemocratization. It features four exhibitions: (1) Lessons from the Past, (2) The Role of Virtuous Individuals, (3) The Substantive Nature of Democracy, and (4) The Importance of Civic Participation.

Each exhibition invites a poetic reflection on both democracy’s fragility and resilience. Our museum seeks to inspire visitors to recognize the value of democratic principles, and the important responsibility we all share in protecting them.