‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ is the slogan used by Iranians during mass protests against the regime in late 2022. The protests were sparked by the death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini, who was killed by Iran’s morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf incorrectly. The Kurdish slogan ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ became an international symbol of resistance.

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In 2026, Iranians once again took to the streets in large numbers. The protests were violently suppressed. The Resistance Museum tells the stories behind this protest movement and shows that Iranian women’s struggle for freedom is not new. Through historical and contemporary accounts, visitors discover the many facets of this movement and learn how today’s resistance is part of a much longer history of the fight for freedom and equality.

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The exhibition was designed with a restrained aesthetic, allowing the stories and artworks to take centre stage. It was essential that each story could be presented in a way that did it justice. Sustainability was another key consideration. The exhibition was intended to be shown at multiple locations. One option would have been to rebuild the exhibition at each venue, but this would not have been very sustainable. Instead, we opted for a travelling exhibition that can be dismantled and reassembled. This means the exhibition only needs to be produced once and can then be used at multiple locations.

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Since the Iranian protests largely take place in the streets, it felt natural to draw inspiration from Iranian architecture in the design. This influence can be seen in the symmetry and dome-like shapes, as well as in the choice of materials. Many buildings in the region are large and have a stone or concrete appearance. Cyclin, with its rustic texture, complements this aesthetic perfectly, while feeling surprisingly soft to the touch. What makes the material even more special is that it is made from old newspapers, a fitting choice for an exhibition about the news!

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The exhibition was previously on display at het Verzetsmuseum in Amsterdam and has since moved to its next location: het Vrijheidsmuseum in Groesbeek.

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Curious about the design and the final result? Take a look at the exhibition on &lotte’s website!