Mississauga to Host ‘80 Years of Freedom’ Tribute Honouring Canada-Netherlands WWII History
Mississauga — A powerful new exhibition honouring Canada’s role in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II is set to open at the Small Arms Inspection Building in Mississauga, with a Grand Opening Tribute & Liberation Reception taking place Monday, May 12, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
Organized by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Toronto in partnership with the 80 Years of Freedom Committee, the exhibition commemorates the enduring friendship between Canada and the Netherlands through stories of resistance, sacrifice, and gratitude.
A Historic Tribute in Art, Memory, and Design
The centrepiece of the exhibition is “80 Faces of Freedom”, a portrait series by award-winning Dutch Canadian photographer and filmmaker Jason van Bruggen, capturing survivors of Nazi occupation and reflecting on the meaning of freedom. Van Bruggen also directed the forthcoming documentary “80 Stories of Freedom”, premiering at Hot Docs on May 18, 2025.
Designed for outdoor public display, the exhibition blends photography, sculpture, and testimony. The project was brought to life with contributions from Canadian sculptor Brett Belcher and creative direction by Dutch Canadian artist Job Rutgers.
“This exhibition is not just a look back at history—it’s a reflection on the values we continue to share: freedom, gratitude, and courage,” said Paul Michel, Executive Chairman of the 80 Years of Freedom Project.
Public Access and Hours
After the private opening reception, the exhibition will be open to the public:
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Tuesday, May 13 | 4:00 – 8:00 PM
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Wednesday, May 14 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
All are welcome to experience this moving tribute at the Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga.
The initiative is supported by notable patrons, including Annette Verschuren, Elizabeth Witmer, Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
For more on the project or the contributing artists, visit:
www.80yearsoffreedom.com
www.jasonvanbruggen.com
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