On Friday 21 November, we welcome American philosopher and winner of the prestigious Erasmus Prize 2025, Donna Haraway, to the Next Nature Museum.

During this special evening, Donna Haraway will give a lecture followed by a Q&A about her work. Haraway invites us to rethink how we care for and interact with each other in turbulent times on a damaged planet. She illustrates her ideas using examples of primates, cyborgs, dogs, and even octopi.

Emeritus Professor of Public Philosophy Marli Huijer will kick off the evening with an inspiring talk. Philosopher Stine Jensen will moderate the evening. There will also be an activating performance by the Smartphone Orchestra.

In 2025, the Praemium Erasmianum Foundation will award the prestigious Erasmus Prize to the American philosopher and historian of science Donna Haraway.

Donna Haraway studied zoology and philosophy at Colorado College, later earning a PhD in biology from Yale (1972). After teaching in Hawaii and Johns Hopkins, she became Professor of History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies at UC Santa Cruz (1980–retirement).

Haraway gained renown with A Cyborg Manifesto (1985), rethinking boundaries between human/machine, male/female, and nature/culture. She expanded these critiques in Primate Visions (1990) and later explored multispecies coexistence in When Species Meet (2007) and Staying with the Trouble (2016). Celebrated worldwide, she has influenced philosophy, art, and activism, receiving major awards including the J.D. Bernal Prize (2000).

Marli Huijer is Professor Emeritus of Public Philosophy at Erasmus University Rotterdam. From 2015 to 2017 she was Thinker Laureate of the Netherlands. She studied medicine and philosophy, and obtained her doctorate with a thesis on the late work of Michel Foucault. Her books explore a broad range of themes: order and time in human affairs (rhythm, discipline), death and dying, staying behind as the reverse of migration, gender and biomedical sciences and the public role of philosophy.

Stine Jensen is a philosopher, author and podcaster. She is a professor of Public Philosophy at Erasmus University Rotterdam and a columnist for NRC Handelsblad. Jensen has written numerous philosophical children’s books and non-fiction works for adults on themes such as identity, emotions, grief, and spirituality. Her children’s book  Lieve Stine, weet jij het? won a Zilveren Griffel in 2015. She also hosts the popular daily podcast Zin van de Dag (“Meaning of the Day”), offering short reflections and insights on life’s wisdoms.

What happens when you throw a bunch of people together and give them something completely unexpected to do? The Smartphone Orchestra creates playful, surprising and occasionally profound group experiences that help you connect – not with your screen, but with the people around you.

Imagine: no endless scrolling, no getting lost in your own little screen, but one big collective experience. Music for Smartphones turns the audience’s phones into instruments. A unique composition plays simultaneously from every device, accompanied by storytelling and playful interactive moments. The result? A magical soundscape and a shared moment of connection, where the smartphone doesn’t isolate us… but brings us together.

The Praemium Erasmianum Foundation is a cultural institution active in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. The Foundation awards the annual Erasmus Prize and organizes cultural and academic activities related to the award ceremony. Its board consists of members from cultural, academic, and business circles in the Netherlands. His Majesty the King serves as a patron of the Foundation.

Wander through our museum, dance to experimental beats, and meet other futurists in a place where technology and ecology collide. The evening will be presented by biodesigner Emma van der Leest and moderator Jessie van Hattum.

Be amazed by a presentation from design duo Klarenbeek & Dros, pioneers in working with living materials. Eric Klarenbeek and Maartje Dros their work focuses on social and ecological design, developing biomaterials and exploring local, sustainable production chains.

Klarenbeek & Dros' artworks are shown at the Centre Pompidou, MoMA and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, among others. They were the first to experiment with 3D printing using fungal threads, known as mycelium, which resulted in the Mycelium Chair, among other things.

The music is provided by RaRaRadio, a community platform for music and culture that originated in Eindhoven. DJs Miss Milivolt, Embla, and Kaikō Cola will set the vibe this night.

The analogue VJ light work is in the hands of Co2RO (Marco Broeders), who graduated as an architectural designer and commands an arsenal of obscure analogue projectors and lamps. His work continuously gives rise to unique, autonomous, and authentic light worlds.

The museum is open all evening. So take your time to explore our inspiring exhibitions. Discover the future of the past in RetroFuture or relax digitally in the Digital Wellness Center.

What does the future sound like? On May 9, we explore the music of tomorrow during Friday Next: Future Music at Next Nature Museum. From algorithmic compositions to experimental instruments: discover how creativity and technology merge and the way we make and experience music.

Friday Next: Future Music is created by Next Nature in collaboration with SUMMA, Effenaar, Brabant C and ASML.

On the border between music and art, LudoWic distinguishes himself with his compelling, futuristic sounds. Thijs Lodewijk performs a live concert on the Trautonium, a unique electronic instrument that he is one of the few players worldwide to master. He also shares his knowledge about this special instrument. Visitors can also admire his installation Flux Patterns.

During the Future Debate we will discuss the music of tomorrow. What does that future look like? Together with 3 special guests we will explore different future scenarios in the field of technology and social innovation. Moderator Dymphie Braun will discuss dangers and opportunities in the sector together with Jos Feijen, director of Effenaar, innovator RHIANNIN (Rianne Wilbers) and Pink Oculus (Esperanza Denswil).

Prins S. en de Geit explores the boundaries of experimental music and art and brings a unique live act to our location. Singer Scott Beekhuizen, bassist Marne Miesen and producer Daniel Ortgies are known for their humorous lyrics and energetic shows. Visitors can prepare themselves for a sensory and intellectual experience that encourages reflection on the role of music in our future cultural landscape.

There is a special act by Jort Palmen in our beautiful Koepel. Jort is known for his eclectic mix of techno, electro and modular synths. Also, singer-songwriter Irelle Ramires will present her poetic and introspective songs, accompanied by acoustic guitar.

In our cinema we show the registration of a concert, recorded in the advanced 3D audio technology Dolby Atmos. Thomas Swartjes talks about Martin Garrix's studio STMPD, where this technology is used. Or join Sam Steenbakkers and Rens Michiels in our Future Lab to co-create a full track from scratch — and yes, you can be part of the beat!

On February 14th, Valentine's Day, Next Nature presents Future Love, an inspiring evening about the future of love. With performances and topics like intimacy and technology, we explore what the love of tomorrow might look like!

At our museum, you can tie the knot with your favorite object. After all, what might marriage look like in the future? And why shouldn’t we be able to marry a plant, stuffed animal or device we simply can’t or won’t live without in today’s world?

In the museum’s iconic dome, these extraordinary weddings will take place. Artist Pauline Wiersema (pinopotato) acts as master of ceremonies and gives this unique ritual a completely new dimension. It promises to be a moment of connection with the things that have become more essential to us than ever.

Bring your favorite object on Friday the 14th, sign up, and let artist Pauline Wiersema officiate your wedding.

Amidst all the love and passion, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of the Digital Wellness Center, located on the museum’s fourth ring. It’s the place to learn how to use technology consciously and healthily.

As our lives grow increasingly digital, new opportunities arise—but so do challenges like stress and restlessness. While it’s tempting to disconnect completely, the real challenge lies in improving our well-being within this digital world.

Through treatments and practical tips, we’ll help you find a healthy balance and support your mental, physical, and emotional health. Discover how to use technology to create a more mindful and balanced digital life!

The exhibition will be opened by Next Nature director Koert van Mensvoort together with Rudy van Belkom, Heleen Blanken, Jules Ruis and Marleen Stikker.

In addition to wedding ceremonies and music, we’re creating opportunities for people to connect both online and offline. What does it really mean to "like" and "follow" someone in real life?

Marjolein Vogels and Alice Gioria (WhyNot) invite you to join OurSpace, a fascinating speeddate experiment that lets you explore these concepts in a whole new way.

And for anyone who could use a little help and (future) advice in love, there's de Liefdesdokters. With their mobile brigade, they deliver an ongoing, interactive performance.

We will have music by DJ Wing Mok.

The museum and restaurant will be open all evening, so take your time to explore the exhibitions together with your date. Be amazed by futuristic visions, thought-provoking innovations, and inspiring stories. Or opt for an intimate moment and gaze into each other’s eyes while enjoying a specially curated future-proof Valentine’s dinner at our restaurant.

Want to secure a spot? Make sure to reserve in advance by sending an email to brasserie@nextnature.org.

Please let us invite you to an exclusive public interview with astronaut André Kuipers at Next Nature Museum. During Friday Next - Future Planet, Kuipers will share his experiences in space and his vision on the future of our planet. 

He will also provide insights into Beyond, an impressive project and visual spectacle that shows the boundless beauty of the earth, seen from space. In addition, this brand new film will be shown (77 minutes). 

The evening will be moderated by Koert van Mensvoort.

In Beyond, Ode to the Earth, Kuipers takes the viewer on a journey through space. The film features breathtaking footage of Earth captured during various space missions, including Kuipers' own stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). These stunning visuals are enhanced by the music of Greek composer Vangelis, renowned for soundtracks such as Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire. Adding an energetic twist, Armin van Buuren has reimagined Vangelis' track Pulstar.

How habitable are other planets? Can we grow food on Mars? And who actually decides the rules in space? Three experts guide you into the future of space exploration and answer these questions.

Astrobiologist Inge Loes ten Kate (Utrecht University) investigates the possibilities of life on other planets. Her work focuses on the potential habitability of extraterrestrial environments, with a special interest in the red planet: Mars.

Space farmer Wieger Wamelink (Wageningen University) explores how we can grow crops like potatoes on Martian and Moon-like soils. His research prepares us for a future where long-term space missions rely on food production beyond Earth.

Space law expert Dimitra Stefoudi (Leiden University) examines the regulations and legal challenges that arise from space exploration, such as the collection and use of data in space. After all, who owns what, and how do international agreements work in the boundless expanse of the universe?

White shirts and skinny jeans—you likely have them in your wardrobe. The options are endless, but in the end, we’re all wearing the same thing. Fashion, especially fast fashion, revolves around quick consumption. Will this remain the case, or is it time for more conscious, sustainable clothing choices?

In the first edition of Friday Next, we explore the future of fashion. Experts, pioneers, and creators address the question: what will the fashion of tomorrow look like?

We’ll discuss various future scenarios, from smart textiles to artistic, digital, and even ‘living’ innovations, as well as how technology is changing our view of clothing and identity.

Jeroen Junte is the moderator of the evening, featuring presentations, fashion shows, and tours, and enriched with music by Connect the Odds.

In our Philips Hall, designer Jasna Rok will present her groundbreaking creations: interactive garments where fashion, technology, and emotion converge, redefining the future of fashion.

Zsofia Kollar breaks established norms by incorporating human hair into her designs, offering an innovative perspective on sustainability, which she will elaborate on.

Pioneer Marina Toeters (Fashion Tech Farm) will provide us with a glimpse into the future, demonstrating how fashion can be not only aesthetic but also functional and responsible.

In addition, there is digital work by Bart Hess, in which he uses the human body as a canvas.

Inspiring fashion shows take place in our dome. For example, Soof Maria Stoop brings a unique collection in which masculinity and femininity come together harmoniously. Ruben Jurriën advocates inclusivity in the sector and shows a colorful collection full of prints.

Dasha Tsapenko creates garments that grow and evolve by working with living organisms, such as plants. Julie Heij also surprises the audience with her innovative grass outfit.

Agnes van Dijk transforms bio-waste into aesthetic and sustainable garments, and Daan Sonnemans presents upcycled looks that emphasize sustainability in fashion. Pauline Blind asks questions about climate change with her special work, and Maja Blom presents a digital collection that highlights sustainable solutions for the industry.

Holly Krueger showcases boots and a dress that question the impact of overproduction, while Kahrawan Suleiman raises awareness about the refugee theme with her unique outfits. Milla Burden celebrates childlike spontaneity with fashion centered on self-expression, and Koen Giesen combines modern production techniques with traditional craftsmanship.

There will also be work from the new generation of designers from Koning Willem I College and Summa Fashion Eindhoven i.c.w. LABELEDBY.

AMFI, Connect the Odds, DesignDigger, Fashion Research & Technology (HvA), Koning Willem I College, Summa Fashion Eindhoven and TU Eindhoven, Brabant C and ASML.