The underground press – texts produced by the resistance against the Germans and their allies during the Second World War – reveals a dramatic time during which democracy and human rights experienced a profound crisis. The underground press offers a striking illustration of the power of words and nonviolent resistance.

The exhibition ‘Counterpressure’ begins by confronting the visitor with official documents controlled by the occupier: carefully designed propaganda like the official journal Signaal, posters, and a jubilant film report on the 100,000th Belgian laborer to leave for Germany.