War Stories in Soest until 30 August

War Stories. Ukraine up close does not turn war into distant news; it places visitors in front of broken daily life. Photojournalist Eddy van Wessel has documented life in Ukraine since 2022, and the National Military Museum combines his black-and-white photographs with four small video portrait rooms and a QR-based audio tour. The official page notes his Zilveren Camera recognition for work from Bachmoet and explains that the exhibition has been expanded with new material from recent trips, including images made with a First World War-era wooden large-format camera from Kharkiv. For readers in the Netherlands, this is a visit that needs emotional space. It suits people who want to understand how war enters kitchens, stations, shelters and family relationships, not a light museum stop.

• Specific hook: Eddy van Wessel’s photographs, video portraits and audio tour show ordinary people living through war in Ukraine.
• Time, place and price: on view until 30 August at Nationaal Militair Museum, Verlengde Paltzerweg 1, Soest; check the NMM ticket page for current admission.
• Who it suits: the museum gives a 12+ age advice, so it is better for adults and teenagers ready for difficult images and stories.
• Before you go: bring headphones for the audio tour and leave emotional space after the exhibition, especially if visiting with young people.

Hokimi field note: Do not place this between two cheerful stops. The strongest part of the exhibition is often the silence after a photograph, so give yourself time before moving on.