In modern-day society, leisure time is characterized by massive nationalization and commercialization. At the end of the day, the standard observer is not able to distinguish between the terms “recreation” and “leisure time” as, in their eyes, both terms meld into one, and leisure time comes to mean the same thing as recreation. The exhibition In the Shadow of the Lion addresses the core of this confusion. It focuses on several historical traditions that have played a significant role in this situation, particularly on the way that the concept of leisure time and recreation is reflected in national institutions, corporations, and various organisations that fall back on the idea of civil society or participatory democracy.