In the exhibition 2 Twenties we delve deep into the 1920s, a transformative time that in many ways was the beginning of modern society. Via a time tunnel, visitors are led into the 1920s where they can go on a journey of discovery between different themes, both serious and playful. Throughout the exhibition, women are presented who in different ways made an impact on society during this decade. Questions about our own time, the 2020s, emerge when you pull the sliding doors aside.
Visually, the exhibition is dominated by the 1920s. Avant-garde ideas in art, fashion and design meet economic vulnerability and poor housing. We show many different types of objects from the museum's collections, everything from beautiful party clothes to condom packaging and a motorcycle. A large number of photos from the time are also shown here, as well as various film clips. Music contributes an extra layer of atmosphere from the time.
The 1920s were a time of liberation and optimism, but also a time of increasingly hardened zeitgeist. There are similarities to our own 20s – widening economic gaps, polarization, conspiracy theories, distrust of democratic governance, and the growing influence of populist political parties and rising right-wing extremism.
But there are also many differences. The conditions today are different than they were in the 1920s, but we know what the developments then led to. The question is how do we manage that knowledge?
The exhibition addresses themes such as housing, film, fashion, art, sexuality, identity, consumption, work, leisure, technology and science. Current issues on the same theme emerge when you slide the doors aside. The hope is that this will stimulate visitors to reflection and conversation. The exhibition also features voices from high school students from Spyken in Lund, who discuss themes that feel important to them.
We highlight around thirty more or less well-known women, all of whom influenced developments in the 1920s in different ways. We present scientists, film stars, artists, politically active women, internationally and nationally known and unknown women, and also some with connections to Lund.
2 twenties accommodate both the serious and the playful, high and low – all in a suggestive atmosphere.
Included in the entrance fee, no advance booking.