Wie wat Bewaart

Menno Schilthuizen and Freek Vonk take you through the colorful history of Dutch natural history – with more than 250 unique color photos

For the very beginning of national natural history collections in the Netherlands, we have to go back to 1820, when King Willem I founded the Rijksmuseum van Natural History, the predecessor of Naturalis. What started as a modest naturalists’ cabinet has grown in the past two centuries into a colossus of international allure, has worn out many directors, researchers and buildings and has even had to endure wars. Who keeps what is a wonderful report of the special history of Naturalis and introduces us to the many scientists, collectors and nature lovers who have contributed to the expansion and preservation of the unique collection. Menno Schilthuizen and Freek Vonk take us on a safari through the history of natural history: from the very first insect collection of a three-year-old prince to the precise art of biological illustration and overseas collecting expeditions. Entertaining and surprising from start to finish.

Prof. dr. Dr Menno Schilthuizen is a researcher and evolutionary biologist at Naturalis Biodiversity Center and professor of trait evolution and biodiversity at Leiden University. He is the author of, among others, Darwin in the city and winner of the Jan Wolkers Prize. He also often gives lectures.

Prof. dr. Dr. Freek Vonk  is the Netherlands’ best-known biologist and program maker. He has made several popular television programs and has taught several classes for DWDD University. He attracts many visitors every year with his shows in AFAS Live and he writes articles and columns for KIJK and Nature, among others. Since 1 February 2020, Freek has been endowed with professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry by the VU University in Amsterdam.