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"A city where everyone feels at home is something you make together." These are the words of artist Michael Rakowitz, who was commissioned to create a work of art for the Rotterdamsebaan. The large-scale archaeological excavations during the construction of this new stretch of road inspired the outdoor artwork Be longing in Molenvliet Park. Romans and other peoples left all kinds of utensils in the soil centuries ago. In the new artwork, which was created through intensive collaboration between the artist and local residents, past and present come together: historical utensils and contemporary ceramics become one.

Be longing is about the desire to feel at home in a new place, but also the nostalgia for the old home. More than half of the residents of The Hague have a migration background, and Rakowitz wanted to create an artwork that brings together the diverse stories of all those people. Over two years, several participatory events took place with local entrepreneurs, schools, welfare associations and cultural organizations, among others. Residents of The Hague were asked to share stories about their family history and migration. Stories from far away and close by. Collection points for ceramics and meetings were organized throughout the city. Together with the Participation Kitchen, the artist invited people to cook together and talk about their experiences. The stories shared and the ceramic objects people brought are the basis for an artwork that connects the themes of archaeology and migration.

Be longing consists of seven different objects that all have something to do with ordinary life and travel. So you see a roof tile, flask, pitcher, ring, wheel, horse and a pilgrim's pin; objects that were actually found in and around the park. And if you look closely, you will see that each object is composed of different pieces of ceramics: shards of an Indonesian bowl, a North African tagine, a plate of Delft porcelain or of a famous Swedish brand. Everyday things but all with their own story. It shows how there are fault lines between communities but also how different cultures come together in the city. They are personal but also timeless stories that live on in the artwork.