Crime and Punishment

For centuries, people have been accommodated, stowed away and locked up in the Kempen. A city guide takes the participants through the history of the prison system in Turnhout and surroundings. During this walk through the centre of our city, various places recall folk and religious customs that until recently were supposed to bring criminals to repentance. A short visit to the castle of the Dukes of Brabant sheds light on the workings of justice and the meaning of guilt, punishment and penance. A visit to the Nationaal Museum of Playing Cards provides commentary on instruments of torture and other relics from the past. Finally, participants are introduced to the contemporary vision of taking into custody and the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration in our society. Rondom Prison wants to make people aware of the presence of the prisons and their inhabitants in their region. Together with them we reflect on themes such as guilt, punishment and restoration and we ask ourselves questions about what a crime means for victim, perpetrator and society. We do this with 5 different activities that alternately take place in one of the 4 municipalities in the Kempen with a prison or detention house. Rondom Prison is a trajectory that you best follow in its entirety. Participating in one or more activities is of course also possible. More info: Rondom Prison - Avansa Kempen