As presenter of Films and Stars (RTL) and film content producer, I have been traveling the world for more than 30 years to speak to the most famous filmmakers, actors and actresses. It was therefore a big surprise for me to discover that a number of heroes of the silver screen just came to Kasteel de Haar every year. Actually in the backyard of Amsterdam, in those beautiful surroundings, they enjoyed a relaxing weekend. When I was asked by the management of the Castle to become a guest curator, I found it quite an honor. Especially also because my imagination and curiosity were stimulated. Barons, baronesses, movie stars and a castle. That immediately felt like stepping into a fairy tale. My fantasy became reality when I entered the gate of De Haar and saw the beautiful garden with the amazing castle including the moat.

We chose for the audience to get to know especially the young Baronesses Alexandra and Vanessa. They have lived at the castle. They have lived through the stars. They are living proof of a special family. The castle looks as if nothing has changed over the years. As if the Baron and Baroness could walk right in along with Brigitte Bardot and Gregory Peck. Together with film producer Mardou Jacobs, I made interviews with the Baronesses. But also with the villagers of De Haar. They all had something to do with the castle in their own way.

Anne-Wil Blankers, Renée Soutendijk and Willeke van Ammelrooy at De Haar

The opening of the exhibition, in early June, was a huge success. With the presence of Anne-Wil Blankers, Renée Soutendijk and Willeke van Ammelrooy, the stars were back at the castle for a while. In recent years, they have starred in films and TV series that were shot at the castle. That too is part of the exhibition. This fall, under the direction of Nrc journalist Hans Beerekamp, we will organize a reunion of La Grande Jatte. A film by Frans Weisz that was shot entirely on De Haar. Again, we hope to bring a piece of the past back to De Haar.

I am sure that visitors to the castle and the exhibition will fall from one surprise into another. The history of the family, the stories about the movie stars and the beautiful surroundings is the most beautiful outing this fall.