The Congo Panorama 1913. Colonial illusion exposed

The Congo Panorama 1913. Colonial illusion exposed, a critical examination of colonial propaganda and the realities it concealed, is the upcoming exhibition at the AfricaMuseum.

At its heart is the Congo Panorama, a monumental painting from 1913 that presented an idealised picture of Belgian colonial ‘civilisation’.

The exhibition deconstructs this instrument of propaganda using a scale reproduction of the painting. The idyllic portrayal of the colony on canvas hid the violence, exploitation and resistance taking place behind the scenes – fake news avant la lettre

Together with artists, experts, and researchers, the exhibition juxtaposes colonial imagery with historical and contemporary voices, stories, and insights that long remained silent.

What does an image show or hide? Which voices are muzzled or heard? By inviting you to take a closer look, the exhibition opens a broader conversation about propaganda, colonisation, and the long shadow it casts.

  • 28.11.2025 > 27.09.2026
  • Price:
    • Included in the general admission ticket
    • Adults (aged 18 and over): 15 euros
    • Groups of 15 people or more I Seniors (aged 65 and over): 11 euros
    • Social target groups I Persons with disabilities I Carers of persons with disabilities I Students aged 18 to 26 I Youth groups (aged 18 to 26) (15 persons or more) I Teaching staff: 6 euros