Until the 4th of January 2026 you can Step into the special world of Tattoo, where ink isn't just applied to skin—it tells stories about who we are, where we come from, and sometimes... who we aspire to be. Explore the rich history of tattoos through the eyes of the legendary Henk Schiffmacher, the man who revolutionized the tattoo world and made it an art form.

 

Meet Henk Schiffmacher: The Tattoo Legend

Henk Schiffmacher is no ordinary tattoo artist; he’s the person who elevated tattoos into an art form and gave the craft the attention it deserved. And believe us, if you think you’ve heard every tattoo story, Henk always has a new surprise waiting for you.

Legendary stories of Henk Schiffmacher

During the Tattoo Exposition, Henk himself will be sharing his legendary stories with visitors. One of the many fascinating moments? The time Henk tattooed none other than Johnny Depp in 1990! At the time, Depp was already famous for his roles in films like *21 Jump Street*. Henk, a huge fan, thought, “Why not?” He went to Johnny’s hotel, introduced himself, and before long, Depp was sitting in the chair for a Henk-special. The result? A subtle, meaningful tattoo that Depp proudly wears today. “He didn’t even ask if I had the right pen,” says Henk with a grin. “He just trusted me.”

Another memorable story is when Henk started his own tattoo exhibitions. Back in the early '90s, tattoos weren’t the cultural phenomenon they are now. During his first exhibition, a client showed up with a large tattoo of a naked woman on his lower back—something Henk had tattooed years earlier. The client wasn’t happy and demanded a "rework" of the design in a more "appropriate" way. Henk, not missing a beat, replied: “Well, you’ve got yourself a piece of art on your body. You can’t just put a new dress on the Mona Lisa, can you?”

Curious about more stories? Read his book!
 

Explore the Art and Culture of Tattooing

The Tattoo Exposition will be held from **June 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026** at Forum Groningen, offering an unforgettable journey through the history of tattooing. This exhibition explores not only ancient traditions but also the modern, daring designs that have shaped the world of tattoos as we know it today.
 

The exhibition presents tattooing as a cultural phenomenon, artistic expression, and symbol of personal identity. Through rare artifacts, photos, film footage, and unique artworks, you’ll discover how tattoos have been used worldwide—both historically and in contemporary society. From ritual tattooing in Samoa to the cutting-edge designs of today, you’ll see it all.

As if that’s not enough, you’ll also get a chance to admire lifelike silicone models tattooed by some of the most renowned tattoo artists in the world—like Filip Leu, Leo Zulueta, and Horiyoshi III. These masterpieces are a true testament to the artistry of tattooing, and they are not to be missed!

 

Henk Schiffmacher’s Personal Contribution

For this exhibition, Henk Schiffmacher has added his own unique touch. He will take you on a journey through his own tattoo adventures, showcasing some of his most legendary designs. From his global travels to the incredible stories behind his tattoos, Henk’s contributions to the world of tattooing are nothing short of legendary.

Don't miss out! Plan your visit to the Tattoo Exposition at Forum Groningen. Immerse yourself in the culture, history, and art of tattoos. It’s an experience you won't forget!

Get your tickets now for the Tattoo Exposition at Forum Groningen!