The Rolling Stones' European Tour Comes to a Close at the Groninger Museum
This iconic rock band graces art temples, revealing decades of history and legend, now on display in the Netherlands.

When the chilling winter air begins to bite, music lovers find solace in the cozy confines of the Groninger Museum. This cultural haven in the Netherlands is currently hosting an exclusive event, "The Rolling Stones - Unzipped," a tour that commenced in London back in 2016. As the final stop on this extensive international journey, this exhibition showcases 400 priceless artifacts that elegantly encapsulate six decades of the band's history and legend.
With an early morning chill settling upon the streets, it's hard to imagine a better way to thaw the winter blues than to immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of the Rolling Stones. As you step into the museum, the strains of their music fill the air, the rhythmic hum of guitar beats, the soft murmur of voices lost in reverie.

Museum Director Andreas Blühm, leading the charge, outlines the unique appeal of this showcase. "Unzipped" is a treasure trove, featuring original instruments, obscure photographs, and vintage record covers. Iconic diaries, dazzling stage attire, and intricate stage models of their sold-out mega-tours reveal the backstage secrets that have captivated fans for decades.
As the Rolling Stones had no idea that their fame would reach such heights, the exhibition draws from both the band’s archive and their dedicated fanbase's collections, ensuring no stone is left unturned. "In 2020, the exhibition was already here, but just as the doors were about to open, the world was hit by a pandemic," bemoans Blühm. "But the final curtain call for this tour is a sweet triumph indeed."
The Groninger Museum serves as more than just a home to these prized artifacts; it is a stage for fans of all ages to experience the magic that has enraptured and inspired generations. Make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into the world of the Rolling Stones.
The Mixing Experience
For an even more immersive experience, try your hand at mixing the iconic beats that have become synonymous with the band. The exhibition allows visitors to adjust sound tracks of famous songs, hearing how different elements, like the powerful drum rolls of Charlie Watts, or the guitar sounds of Keith Richards and Ron Wood, come together to create the music that made history[1].
A Studio Piece by Piece
Once you've mastered the mix, head over to the recreated studio from the 70s. With a graphic artist's flair, five small rolling stones have been seamlessly integrated, inviting you to explore and uncover the secrets that lie within.
Share in the sheer delight and awe witnessed by fans who have been granted access to untouched pieces of Rock 'n' Roll history. The intimacy of a Rolling Stones studio is at your fingertips, making you feel like you're just a step away from music royalty[3].
Listening to the Past
As you venture further into the gallery, you'll discover a reimagined version of the bandmates' shared London flat, complete with chaotic layering and sprawling messes. This chaotic and reckless neighborly dwelling is brimming with history, as the Beatles are rumored to have visited this very flat[4].
A Glance into the Collection
The Groninger Museum, a renowned art hub that will be celebrating its 150th anniversary and 30th construction since 1994, has much to offer beyond just the Rolling Stones. The museum's expansive collection covers various disciplines such as art history, photography, fashion, and design, drawing in over 200,000 visitors a year. With so much to explore, the Rolling Stones exhibition serves as only a small slice of this ever-growing ode to creativity and innovation[5].
So come, reminisce, and experience the Rolling Stones as you never have before! Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity – the windows of time for such exhibitions are always closing.
Sources:
[1] [2] Enrichment Data [3] Enrichment Data [4] Enrichment Data [5] Enrichment Data