UNTIL 5 October 2025 | A glass collection with a secret is on display in Rotterdam, revealing decades of hidden change beneath its polished surface. ‘Huilend glas’ (‘Crying glass’) invites visitors into the world of glass conservation and the ongoing investigation into unstable glass. The exhibition, located in Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, is centred on a phenomenon that has puzzled restorers and scientists for years.
Inside the crying glass exhibition
The exhibition Huilend glas presents the results of a long-running conservation investigation that began in 2008. Glass objects from the museum’s collection were found to have developed a dull appearance, with fine droplets forming on their surfaces. These were not merely signs of ageing but indicators of chemical instability—glass that is, quite literally, beginning to cry.
Changes in the composition of glass throughout history—driven by innovation or necessity—have led to a range of material behaviours. In some cases, these experiments produced unstable glass. In humid or acidic environments, certain chemical components can leach from the material, creating surface droplets. Over time, this can lead to cracking or even total disintegration.
A multi-sensory and scientific approach
Visitors are encouraged to experience the fragility of glass through sight, touch, and even smell. Works by sound artist Harpo ’t Hart and scent designer Frank Bloem offer immersive installations where the feeling and scent of unstable glass are simulated. The glass may feel unusually smooth or greasy to the touch and release a faint odour, ranging from musty to acidic.
Glass restorer Marc Barreda contributes a contemporary artistic layer by intentionally creating unstable glass for the exhibition. His work adds speculative insight into the unknowns of glass chemistry, reinforcing how little is still understood about the long-term behaviour of this ancient material.
The research continues
The ongoing nature of this investigation reflects the unpredictable evolution of materials in museum collections. The museum continues to monitor the affected glass objects while also sharing the process openly with the public. Rather than treating these vulnerabilities as flaws, the exhibition frames them as evidence of the dynamic and changing nature of materials over time.
Huilend glas transforms the traditionally static image of museum objects into one of quiet but active transformation. It invites reflection on the impermanence of materials and the challenges faced by conservators preserving cultural heritage.
Directions and location
Visiting Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
The exhibition is located in Galerie I on the third floor of Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, Museumpark 24, 3015 CX Rotterdam. The depot sits within Rotterdam’s Museumpark, a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal Station and accessible via tram and metro connections. The surrounding area is home to other major institutions, including the Kunsthal and the Natural History Museum, making it a central cultural destination.
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