24-25 september 2025

400th birthday Johan de Witt

24 September 2025 marks exactly 400 years since Johan de Witt (1625-1672) was born. To celebrate the occasion, the book De wereld van De Witt (The World of De Witt) has been published and an exhibition of the same name is on display at the Dordrechts Museum. The Huygens Institute is also involved.

On 24 and 25 September, the Vrienden van De Witt (Friends of De Witt), in collaboration with the Huygens Institute and the Dordrechts Museum, are organizing two special events:

Tuesday 24 September: Johan de Witt Day – Birthday Celebrations
A festive public day in Dordrecht with music, theatre, lectures and guided tours for young and old. More information and the full programme can be found at Johan de Witt Day – The Big Birthday Party.

Wednesday 25 September: international symposium ‘The World of Johan de Witt’
An academic programme with renowned speakers from the Netherlands and abroad who shed new light on De Witt’s networks, political influence and his international role. Dr. Ineke Huysman and Dr. Helmer Helmers, senior research scholars at the Huygens Institute, will each give a lecture. For tickets and the full programme, visit International Symposium – The World of Johan de Witt.