We are (talking about) animals

Two Rotterdam icons are joining forces: Kunsthal Rotterdam and Diergaarde Blijdorp share a fascination for animals and are coming together to exchange ideas and stories about these captivating creatures.

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Feathered polar bears, a floating elephant, and a wild wolf — extraordinary animal creations by contemporary artists can be found in the We Are Animals exhibition at the Kunsthal.
But how does a polar bear live in the wild?
How many muscles does an elephant have in its trunk — and could it really hang upside down like that?
And are there actually wolves in Blijdorp?

Join us for an exclusive look at the exhibition through the eyes of Kunsthal curator Eva van Diggelen and Harald Schmidt, Head of Plants & Animals at Diergaarde Blijdorp.
Together, they explore and discuss animals — in art and in life. In a mini-series of three short episodes, you’ll dive into the world of animals at both the Kunsthal and Blijdorp — a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and connection.

We Are (talking about) Animals is an online project, always available — and free to watch.

Rotterdam. Make It Happen. stands for initiative, connection, energy, and creativity. During a time when people in Rotterdam — and beyond — couldn’t visit Kunsthal Rotterdam or Diergaarde Blijdorp, we made it possible for the public to take a behind-the-scenes look at a brand-new exhibition and the magnificent animals of Blijdorp.

The conversations between Eva van Diggelen and Harald Schmidt offer a spontaneous, informative, and captivating glimpse into the world of animals — both in contemporary art and in real life. And even now that both the Kunsthal and Blijdorp have reopened, the series remains just as fascinating!