Exhibition Anton de Kom
Fort New Amsterdam Commewijne – Suriname
On March 23, 2025, the permanent exhibition on Anton de Kom opened at the Fort Nieuw Amsterdam open-air museum in Commewijne. During my work visit, I attended the opening, which turned out to be a festive day full of music, dance, and delicious food. On this day, visitors could create a screen print of Anton de Kom's portrait on colorful pangis fabrics. I was also allowed to make one, and this unique screen print will soon be on display in my office, framed, as an ode to this special figure in Surinamese history.
Expansion of exhibitions
The exhibition is in line with the existing exhibitions on Surinamese migration history. Later this year, a new exhibition on slavery history will follow, for which cells are currently being restored.
Directions
The museum at Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam attracts over 40.000 visitors annually. You can reach the museum independently by tent boat from Paramaribo or Leonsberg. If you prefer to go with a guide, we can arrange for you to visit the museum with a guide during a Commewijne day trip.
More about the museum
On the grounds, various buildings, old cannons and the former prison can be visited. The museum also contains historical carriages and a number of monuments that commemorate important events and population groups in Suriname, such as the Chinese and Hindustani immigration, and the independence of the country. In the surrounding cultural garden grow beautiful exotic trees and the pond is full of lotus flowers.
Museum opening hours
Monday – Friday: 09:00-17:00
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM
More about Anton de Kom
For those who are not yet familiar with Anton de Kom, a short introduction: De Kom was the first Surinamese writer to denounce the colonial government. He fought for a dignified existence for everyone who suffered from exploitation and oppression. His best-known work is the book 'We slaves of Suriname' from 1934. Actually a must read or listen to as an audiobook for anyone traveling to Suriname.
Canon of the Netherlands
The Canon of the Netherlands is an overview of important people, objects and events that together show the story of the historical and cultural development of the Netherlands. The Canon is primarily intended for education and provides insight into the history of the Netherlands in a chronological overview. This overview was compiled in 2006 on behalf of the Dutch state for the benefit of education. In 2020, a new version was presented, with a window on Anton de Kom.
