Suitcase Labyrinth
Discover the stories of Daisy, Ernst, and others
A suitcase holds so much more than belongings – it’s a treasure chest full of memories. In the Suitcase Labyrinth you’ll navigate your way through thousands of suitcases while listening to an audio tour telling the stories of their former owners.
A life in a suitcase
Over the past few years, Fenix has collected more than two thousand suitcases that have travelled the world with their owners. Each suitcase tells a unique story and represents a turning point in someone’s life. Where did these personal journeys lead? Was it a holiday or were people forced to flee? If you had to pack up your entire life in a single suitcase, what would you take with you?
“I cherish my great-uncle and great-aunt’s suitcase because of its history. I’d love for others to see the suitcase and discover the story behind it.”
Listen to the Stories
The oldest suitcase dates back to 1898 and arrived in the Netherlands aboard the Trans-Siberian Express. The newest are colourful models used as recently as last year. The Fenix team travelled across the Netherlands, the United States and Canada to meet the suitcase donors, collect their suitcases and record their stories. With an audio tour, you can listen to the memories these suitcases carry with them.
Find your way through the Suitcase Labyrinth at Fenix. Curious to unpack the first stories? You’ll find some below.
Publication
The publication Kofferverhalen accompanies the Kofferdoolhof, written by Karin Amatmoekrim, Abdelkader Benali, and Adriaan van Dis, and published by Atlas Contact. Available in bookstores across the Netherlands and also at Fenix.