The Where the Children Sleep photography exhibit at the American Swedish Institute tells heartbreaking stories of Syrian refugee children that are forced to leave the comfort of their normal lives behind to escape war. The emotional photos depict the children’s fear through their eyes and show the sad conditions of their new lives as refugees. The photographer, Magnus Wennman, traveled across Europe to collect the stories of these young refugees in order to spread awareness across the country. Up until March 6, the gallery room is located right near the entrance to the museum and pairs nicely with the immigration theme throughout the other exhibits. A small dark room in the back has a viewing area for a film that follows a young girl describing the home in Syria that she had to leave. She talks about her friend Rana that she had to leave and her school.

“I really liked my school but they closed it because of so much war,” she said.

In addition to the plaques by their photos detailing their journey, recordings of children telling their stories play on loop throughout the gallery allowing viewers to hear the raw emotion in their voices. The relatively small and quiet space gives off an intimate vibe making for a more engaging yet gut wrenching experience.