Posted: August 24, 2026
New exhibition From Water to Land: Jan van Scorel and Pé Okx
Starting October 10, the exhibition at Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar is To be seen from water to land. At the center are a special map by Renaissance artist Jan van Scorel (1495–1562) and new work by contemporary artist Pé Okx. Discover how imagination has played a role for centuries in the way people shape the landscape and change the future. Art from the present and the past guides visitors through stories about water, land, and the way people continually reshape their environment.
A visionary design by Jan van Scorel
An imposing map by Jan van Scorel from the National Archives forms the heart of the exhibition. The design shows how Scorel applied his artistic imagination to a societal issue that remains relevant today: what to do in the face of flooding, inundations, and the sea claiming land. In the final phase of his life, Van Scorel created an ambitious land reclamation and dikes plan for the Zijpe that reveals a surprising aspect of his artistry.
From this historical design, visitors discover how artists through the centuries have contributed to the transformation of water into land. At the same time, the exhibition invites reflection on human impact on the landscape. A theme that, in a time of climate change and rising sea levels, is more relevant than ever.
Old and contemporary art in one exhibition
In addition to sixteenth- and seventeenth-century paintings, maps, and designs, work by contemporary artist Pé Okx is also on display. He explores the relationship between humans, nature, and landscape. By displaying his work alongside that of Jan van Scorel, a dialogue between the past and the present is created. The exhibition shows how ideas about change and water management are still important and how imagination helps to continuously reshape the landscape.
Digital experience stimulates the imagination
Visitors are also invited to get hands-on. In an interactive digital experience, they can alter the landscape to their own liking. In doing so, they follow in the footsteps of Jan van Scorel, who once mapped out new land: the present-day Zijpepolder. Now it is up to the visitors to look ahead. How do they envision the future of this landscape? What would they like to add, protect, or remove?
The interactive installation was developed in collaboration with technology partner Hypersolid. Specially for the exhibition, Hypersolid created a program that allows visitors to use their imagination to explore the future of the polder.
Practical information
From water to land is a van October 10, 2026 through February 28, 2027 to see in Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar. More information and tickets via www.stedelijkmuseumalkmaar.nl
The exhibition is part of the multi-year program New Standard, Old Soil and is made possible in part by the support of BPD Cultural Fund. With special thanks to the National Archives, Mondriaan Fund, Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board, and Hypersolid.