Postcolonial?

The House of European History explores Europe’s colonial legacy in its new temporary exhibition “Postcolonial?” Starting with the structural foundations of European colonialism, going through how Europeans preserved power as their empires collapsed and in what manner that affected newly independent countries, the exhibition takes us to present times. It invites us to reflect on the ways colonial history still shapes life today. Following the Second World War, colonial power seemed to crumble. From 1945 to the end of the twentieth century, more than 80 colonies overcame European rule and declared independence. After decades or even centuries of resistance to brutal oppression, their victories appeared to mark a decisive break with the past. But appearances can be deceiving. How did the colonial matrix of power – the ideas, events, inequalities and injustices born of colonialism – continue to shape the modern world? Unique artworks, historical objects and personal stories accompany the visitor throughout this much-needed European reckoning with colonialism.