Gesina & Being Seen
After spending centuries in the shadow of her famous family, Gesina ter Borch is finally stepping into the spotlight.
In Gesina & Being Seen, the seventeenth-century artist takes centre stage in a layered, image-rich exhibition that brings her voice, vision and emotional world to life.
The exhibition is part of the citywide programme Ter Borch at Home in Zwolle, which will be officially opened on 5 September by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.
Visit Gesina & Being Seen from 6 September 2025 to 1 February 2026 at Academiehuis Grote Kerk Zwolle.
Agenda
Gesina & Being Seen
After spending centuries in the shadow of her famous family, Gesina ter Borch is finally stepping into the spotlight.
In Gesina & Being Seen, the seventeenth-century artist takes centre stage in a layered, image-rich exhibition that brings her voice, vision and emotional world to life.
The exhibition is part of the citywide programme Ter Borch at Home in Zwolle, which will be officially opened on 5 September by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander.
Visit Gesina & Being Seen from 6 September 2025 to 1 February 2026 at Academiehuis Grote Kerk Zwolle.
Jasper Abels
High Choir
Peek into colourful diorama's and discover the world of Gesina ter Borch – a fairytale-like exhibition about who you are and what you can become.
The High Choir is the domain of artist Jasper Abels, known for his distinctive style and keen eye for beauty and complexity. With a unique mix of magical dioramas, costumes and narrative installations, Gesina becomes visible once more – not as a secondary figure in her family’s story, but as an autonomous artist and sharp observer.
Abels explores themes such as identity, strength, love and loss – subjects that Gesina also captured and expressed in her own work. At the heart of the exhibition are large display cases: concealed on the outside, colourful and narrative within. Those who come closer and peer through the openings discover a layered inner world filled with stories, emotions and art – offering both a literal and figurative glimpse into the emotional landscapes of Gesina and Jasper.
In this way, Jasper Abels brings Gesina’s sharp mind and talent to life, in the very place where she is buried. The exhibition invites visitors to pause and reflect on their own inner world, and gives space to stories that often remain unseen.
Thus, Gesina no longer appears as a secondary figure in her family’s story, but as an artist – and a powerhouse woman of then and now. Visit this special exhibition for free during opening hours at Academiehuis Grote Kerk.
Agenda
Magazine
From September, you can purchase the Ter Borch magazine (in Dutch) at Academiehuis Grote Kerk, featuring contributions from writers, artists and researchers – each with their own perspective on this remarkable family.
The magazine takes you into the world of Gerard, Gesina and their family, showing how their legacy continues to inspire. Expect a mix of historical backgrounds, artistic interpretations and surprising perspectives.
This special publication has been produced in collaboration with various cultural institutions in Zwolle, as part of the programme for Ter Borch at Home in Zwolle.
Jasper Abels
High Choir
Peek into colourful diorama's and discover the world of Gesina ter Borch – a fairytale-like exhibition about who you are and what you can become.
The High Choir is the domain of artist Jasper Abels, known for his distinctive style and keen eye for beauty and complexity. With a unique mix of magical dioramas, costumes and narrative installations, Gesina becomes visible once more – not as a secondary figure in her family’s story, but as an autonomous artist and sharp observer.
Abels explores themes such as identity, strength, love and loss – subjects that Gesina also captured and expressed in her own work. At the heart of the exhibition are large display cases: concealed on the outside, colourful and narrative within. Those who come closer and peer through the openings discover a layered inner world filled with stories, emotions and art – offering both a literal and figurative glimpse into the emotional landscapes of Gesina and Jasper.
In this way, Jasper Abels brings Gesina’s sharp mind and talent to life, in the very place where she is buried. The exhibition invites visitors to pause and reflect on their own inner world, and gives space to stories that often remain unseen.
Thus, Gesina no longer appears as a secondary figure in her family’s story, but as an artist – and a powerhouse woman of then and now. Visit this special exhibition for free during opening hours at Academiehuis Grote Kerk.
Wim Trompert
Southern Aisle
Step into the emotional world of Gesina ter Borch in this intimate animated opera filled with seventeenth-century sounds.
A completely different experience awaits in the fabric, almost sculptural tent in the South Aisle: an animated opera by opera director Wim Trompert in collaboration with music ensemble Camerata Trajectina. This opera of image and sound, inspired by Gesina’s own watercolours, diary fragments and song albums, reveals how her life was hidden behind the façade of domestic harmony. The music heard through the headphones is based on 17th-century melodies, bringing her work to life and offering a timeless glimpse into her emotional world.
For the music, Camerata Trajectina drew from the songs in Gesina’s albums, complemented by other music from the seventeenth century. Geesken is an evocative musical portrait, full of beauty and vulnerability, offering a unique insight into the inner world of a woman who found her voice through art.
Gesina’s vibrant watercolours, together with the serene paintings of her brother Gerard ter Borch II, form the visual foundation of this unique animated opera.
DURATION: ABOUT 45 MINUTEN
TICKET: € 6 P.P.
Wim Trompert
Southern Aisle
Step into the emotional world of Gesina ter Borch in this intimate animated opera filled with seventeenth-century sounds.
A completely different experience awaits in the fabric, almost sculptural tent in the South Aisle: an animated opera by opera director Wim Trompert in collaboration with music ensemble Camerata Trajectina. This opera of image and sound, inspired by Gesina’s own watercolours, diary fragments and song albums, reveals how her life was hidden behind the façade of domestic harmony. The music heard through the headphones is based on 17th-century melodies, bringing her work to life and offering a timeless glimpse into her emotional world.
For the music, Camerata Trajectina drew from the songs in Gesina’s albums, complemented by other music from the seventeenth century. Geesken is an evocative musical portrait, full of beauty and vulnerability, offering a unique insight into the inner world of a woman who found her voice through art.
Gesina’s vibrant watercolours, together with the serene paintings of her brother Gerard ter Borch II, form the visual foundation of this unique animated opera.
DURATION: ABOUT 45 MINUTEN
TICKET: € 6 P.P.
Gesina at home
Just like Gesina, jot down your thoughts in a beautiful notebook, hang her work proudly on your wall, and complete your outfit with a timeless silk scarf. During Gesina & Being Seen, you’ll find at Academiehuis Grote Kerk a merchandise collection of high-quality items inspired by the work and world of Gesina ter Borch. Think elegant fans, colourful postcards and unique art objects.
Each product has been carefully selected and serves as a tangible keepsake of this remarkable woman from Zwolle and the themes that make her work so universal. A wonderful opportunity to take a piece of her story home with you!
Magazine
From September, you can purchase the Ter Borch magazine (in Dutch) at Academiehuis Grote Kerk, featuring contributions from writers, artists and researchers – each with their own perspective on this remarkable family.
The magazine takes you into the world of Gerard, Gesina and their family, showing how their legacy continues to inspire. Expect a mix of historical backgrounds, artistic interpretations and surprising perspectives.
This special publication has been produced in collaboration with various cultural institutions in Zwolle, as part of the programme for Ter Borch at Home in Zwolle.
Eat with Gesina
Take a seat in Dagcafé Het Zuidkoor at the Academiehuis and be surprised by flavours that bring the 17th century to life.
Begin your journey into Gesina’s world with a slice of homemade cake, or end your day with a lunch that could easily have been served at the Ter Borch family table!
Gesina at home
Just like Gesina, jot down your thoughts in a beautiful notebook, hang her work proudly on your wall, and complete your outfit with a timeless silk scarf. During Gesina & Being Seen, you’ll find at Academiehuis Grote Kerk a merchandise collection of high-quality items inspired by the work and world of Gesina ter Borch. Think elegant fans, colourful postcards and unique art objects.
Each product has been carefully selected and serves as a tangible keepsake of this remarkable woman from Zwolle and the themes that make her work so universal. A wonderful opportunity to take a piece of her story home with you!
The exhibition Gesina & Being Seen is part of Ter Borch at home in Zwolle. The Ter Borch family had a deep connection with Zwolle, and in 2025/2026 the whole city will celebrate their legacy. This offers a unique insight into life in Zwolle in the 17th century.
Ter Borch at home in Zwolle is an ode to creativity, an invitation to look, to see and to create. For five months, Zwolle will become one large studio – a vibrant and inspiring network of art, craftsmanship and imagination. A unique collection of masterpieces, familiar stories, co-creations and encounters. With Ter Borch at home in Zwolle, we give new meaning to what we do, share and pass on. Come and see. Come and create. Discover what emerges. Feel, like Ter Borch, at home in Zwolle.
Ter Borch in Zwolle
Eat with Gesina
Take a seat in Dagcafé Het Zuidkoor at the Academiehuis and be surprised by flavours that bring the 17th century to life.
Begin your journey into Gesina’s world with a slice of homemade cake, or end your day with a lunch that could easily have been served at the Ter Borch family table!
Opening hours
Monday closed
Tue-sun 11:00 - 17:00
Location
Grote Markt 18
8011 LW Zwolle
Contact
info@academiehuis.nl
038 421 2512
The exhibition Gesina & Being Seen is part of Ter Borch at home in Zwolle. The Ter Borch family had a deep connection with Zwolle, and in 2025/2026 the whole city will celebrate their legacy. This offers a unique insight into life in Zwolle in the 17th century.
Ter Borch at home in Zwolle is an ode to creativity, an invitation to look, to see and to create. For five months, Zwolle will become one large studio – a vibrant and inspiring network of art, craftsmanship and imagination. A unique collection of masterpieces, familiar stories, co-creations and encounters. With Ter Borch at home in Zwolle, we give new meaning to what we do, share and pass on. Come and see. Come and create. Discover what emerges. Feel, like Ter Borch, at home in Zwolle.
Ter Borch in Zwolle
Opening hours
Monday closed
Tue-sun 11:00 - 17:00
Location
Grote Markt 18
8011 LW Zwolle
Contact
info@academiehuis.nl
038 421 2512
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