DEMOCRACY ON THE BRINK

Defending democracy in the face of authoritarian rule requires courage, determination, and collective action.

The exhibition opens 12 December 2025 and is on view until 30 September 2026.

This year's Nobel Peace Prize exhibition shows how the fight for democracy in Venezuela has become a symbol of a broader global challenge: Across the world democracy is in retreat and authoritarian power is on the rise. Democracy on the Brink invites you to explore how the principles of democracy depend on our ability to protect them, and to see democracy not only as a system, but as a mindset.

In the exhibition, Venezuela's transition from democracy to dictatorship is made visible, alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado's tireless struggle for change. Venezuela is one of the world's most repressive regimes and one of those that have driven the highest numbers of people to flee. More than 8 million people, or ¼ of the population, have left since 2014. Those who remain live in poverty and fear, while they miss their exiled family members.

Through photographs and interviews with young, exiled Venezuelans in Colombia, Magnum photographer Emin Özmen portrays a lost generation.

These young people don't see a future for themselves in Venezuela. They have given up hope for their country, but they haven't given up hope for themselves. That is why they leave.
– Photographer Emin Özmen