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Realm of Shadows

an exhibition about real and fictional spies throughout history

Realm of Shadows

Espionage at the intersection of fact and fiction

Spies fascinate us.
For thousands of years, people have gathered secret information and operated in the space between truth and deception.

In Realm of Shadows, espionage is explored as a phenomenon – from real-world intelligence work and historical examples to the ways spies have been portrayed in film, games and popular culture. The exhibition shows how the boundary between fact and fiction is often blurred, and how stories about spies both reflect and shape our understanding of power, threats and secrecy.

Through narratives, visual material and interactive elements, visitors gain insight into the world of espionage: its methods, strategies and covert operations, which throughout history have influenced war, politics and societal development. Real intelligence operations are placed in relation to fictional spy characters and enduring myths.

The exhibition also features hands-on challenges where both children and adults can test their own spy skills. With a focus on cunning, codebreaking and secrets, knowledge is combined with playful exploration.

Realm of Shadows is an exhibition for the whole family, offering unexpected perspectives on both real and fictional spies.

 

Opening 2 April 2026 at Maritiman.