Schmap Amsterdam Art & Entertainment

Amsterdam - Art & Entertainment
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Schmap Amsterdam guide and map

Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer and Frans Hals are the Old and Great Masters of Holland. As a result, Amsterdam has some of the finest art museums in Europe. As Amsterdam is the most liberal of cities, the museums are not purely of the conventional kind, but whatever your interest, you will be able to find it at one of the city's museums. The majority of museums are placed within a short range of one another, so you can easily walk from one to the next.

Museums

Many of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals' finest works are part of the national heritage and housed in the State Museum. Take your time in this beautiful museum, as it is huge, and the exhibitions and surroundings need your attention for more then just an hour. Rembrandt's paintings are also largely represented in Rembrandt's House. The life and works of Van Gogh are presented in the Van Gogh Museum. For modern art you should definitely visit the exhibitions in the Municipal Museum.

Nature & Science

If you're interested in science and interactive entertainment, don't miss New Metropolis, a place designed for children with a lot of hands-on exhibits and technology. The Museum of Navigation will appeal to anyone who's interested in maritime and nautical experiences. Nature lovers should visit the Hortus Botanicus, which has over six thousand different kinds of plants.

History

In Amsterdam, there are a lot of historical museums. One of the best is Amsterdam's Museum of History, where you will learn about the city's developments from the thirteenth century to the present day. The popular Anne Frank's House has recently been restored and is able to accommodate a lot more people then before. In the former Jewish quarter you will find the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam (Resistance Museum), which deals with the history of the Resistance during the Second World War.

Cinema

Amsterdam has only a few cinemas, but they show a great combination of big Hollywood blockbusters and European movies. The cinemas can be divided into two main categories: popular cinemas (with big movie successes) and filmhuizen (art houses), where art films, documentaries and retrospectives are shown. Tuschinski is a beautiful cinema with original art deco architecture and a beautiful theatre where you feel you should be watching an opera instead of a movie. The Movies, with its extravagant interior, is a great place to visit and view art films.

Theatre & Dance

Amsterdam has a lot of theatrical events, and more in English than in Dutch. The Parade is the prelude of the theatre season, and is a great event at the end of summer with lots of different little shows, food and drink. The most important theatre venues are Carr, once home to a circus, now a beautiful theatre by the Amstel Canal and Stadsschouwburg (Municipal Theatre), with a wide variety of contemporary national and international productions. Amsterdam's dance scene is quite lively. There are two main companies, Nederlands Dans Theater and Het Nationale Ballet. Besides these companies there are a lot of established dancers and companies worth watching.

Music

This city has a lively music scene, with lots of festivals and events and numerous concerts in different venues. There is everything from classic to rock. Tickets for concerts can be bought in advance at the AUB Ticketshop, located centrally on the Leidseplein.

Classical

The acoustics in the Concertgebouw offer a great sound, and it is therefore the favored venue of many soloists and orchestras. It has its own Concertgebouw Orchestra, which has a regular programme. At Beurs van Berlage there are a lot of classical concerts on a regular basis. If you're more into opera, you should go to the Opera Muziektheater (Stopera) on Waterlooplein, where the Netherlands Opera is often to be seen, or go and see an opera at the Carr.

Jazz and Blues

Local groups and jam sessions can often be heard in the lively city during the night. International stars visit the city to play at different venues. The best places to catch jazz legends in intimate confines are Casablanca and Bimhuis.

Rock

Big international stars such as the Rolling Stones enjoy playing in venues like Paradiso and Melkweg. Besides this there are a lot of rock festivals, eg. Drum Rhythm Festival, which takes place at Westergasfabriek or the Amsterdam Pop Prijs Wanted R & B & Hip Hop Prijs Finals, held at Melkweg.

House, Disco & World Music

The VIP Club on Fridays and Paradisco on Saturday evenings in Paradiso are hip dance evenings where a lot of cool people are to be seen. Techno, house and hip hop music can be heard. Melkweg has dance evenings with hard house and drum and bass. The crowd is diverse but mainly young, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

DISTRICTS

Amsterdam can be divided into different areas, each with its own history and attractions. Try to go beyond the Grachtengordel, where every tourist tends to get stuck. There are lots of other things to see than just the tourist area.

The Old Centre

Amsterdam's old centre can be described as being surrounded by the Central Station, the Singel, and the Kloveniersburgwal canals. The central points are Dam Square, with the Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud's, the New Church and department stores such as Bijenkorf and Magna Plaza.

The Red-Light District

Not far from Dam Square you will find the Red Light District. Many people visit Amsterdam mainly to go and see this area for the ‘window shopping', but this beautiful, old and historical area contains a lot of other attractions, such as Nieuwmarkt with its characteristic building De Waag, which dates from 1488, formerly built as a gatehouse for the city's defences. Near Nieuwmarkt you will find Amsterdam's small Chinatown.

The New Side

This area starts at the west end of Central Station and ends at Spui. In between you will find Amsterdam's Museum of History and the Begijnhof. This area is worth a relaxed stroll; at Spui you can have a cup of coffee at one of the cafés on the square.

Jordaan

This is a beautiful artistic area, where you will find lots of galleries and cosy little restaurants. Typical Amsterdammers live here; the area still doesn't see as many tourists as the other areas, although it has a very typical Amsterdam atmosphere. With a lot of greenery outside, it feels like a little village within a big city.

Waterlooplein, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein

Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are Amsterdam's tourist centres, packed with outgoing people and cafés and bars. During the summer months they are packed with people sitting on the terraces watching others go by. Waterlooplein is famous for its second-hand market, where you will find plenty of bargains.

GARDENS & PARKS

Amsterdam has some beautiful gardens and parks, the Vondelpark being the most famous park amongst tourists and Amsterdammers. You will also find the Film Museumhere, which has a beautiful terrace where you can spend a whole afternoon sitting, relaxing and watching the strangest people going by. The Amstel Park is located a bit away from the centre, but is a good retreat with rose gardens and a glasshouse. The Amsterdamse Bos is a busy park where you can be as sporty as you like. Fancy a swim? Go to the Bosbaan, used for boating and swimming.

If you want a tour around Amsterdam's private gardens, go and inform yourself at the VVV, where they can tell you what's going on in Amsterdam at the particular time you're there.

SPORTS

Holland is well known for its passion for football, but besides football, the Dutch play a lot of other sports such as hockey, skating and cycling. Amsterdam has many cycling lanes, although you have to watch the traffic, especially the trams that won't stop for you; in comparison to other cities though, the traffic is a lot more used to cyclists. The parks are excellent for outdoor sports: running, skating and cycling. A lot of sports centres are to be found as well, for fitness and sauna, swimming and bowling.

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Amstel

The river after which Amsterdam is named

Muntplein
Amsterdam 1012 WP
+31 (0)20 201 8800 (Toerist Bureau)

Amstel is the river from which Amsterdam took its name. It became the heart of the city after the river was dammed. From the south the river runs into town up to the town hall, near Waterloo and Munt squares. Then it branches off into several different streams throughout the city canals. At night, the river banks of the Amstel are a delightful place to enjoy the city lights.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Amsterdam Historical Museum

The History of the Capital Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 357
Amsterdam 1012 RC
+31 (0)20 523 1822
http://www.ahm.nl
info@ahm.amsterdam.nl No less than seven centuries of Amsterdam's history is displayed in this beautiful museum: models, maps, paintings, archeological findings and other objects trace the growth of Amsterdam from a medieval town to a modern metropolis. You can see medieval shoes and the rainbow coloured umbrella of the Gay Games '98. The Civic Guard Gallery is the only public museum street in the world and shows a selection of group portraits of Amsterdam militia groups. The museum is housed in the former public orphanage. You can buy the most beautiful souvenirs in the Amsterdam Gift Shop, there is a library and in the restaurant you can get a drink and have something to eat.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Amsterdamse Bos

Playground, lake and woods... Amstelveenseweg
Amsterdam 1083 EA
+31 (0)20 0900 9292
http://www.amsterdamsebos.nl Amsterdam's largest green areas are on the edge of town. The Amsterdamse Bos is easy to find, with boating lakes, an open-air theatre and large playground. While nature lovers may enjoy a beautiful walk through the woods, plane spotters can watch low-flying aircraft coming from Schiphol. The Amsterdamse Bos is also where you'll find the Bos Museum, which has maps of the park, including walking routes, and Geitenhouderij Ridammerhoeve, a goat farm with 120 goats and loads of adorable kids. It also sells bio-dynamic goat's milk, cheeses and ice-cream, and has a small recreation area and sandpit.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Anne Frank House

Anne Frank's Hideaway Prinsengracht 267
Amsterdam 1016 GV
+31 (0)20 556 7105
http://www.annefrank.org Anne Frank and her family went into hiding here on July 6, 1942, and lived in isolation for over two years. The German occupation removed all the furniture when the inhabitants were detained in 1944. However, films and other media, including Anne's diary, give a good idea of what life was like. The museum opened on May 3, 1960, and an enormous visitors' center was constructed in the 1980s.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Begijnhof and Begijnhof Chapel

Unique Big City Silence Begijnhof 30 (chapel)
Amsterdam 1012 WT
+31 20 622 1918
http://www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl
info@begijnhofamsterdam.nl The Beguinage lies hidden away from the noisy shopping street Kalverstraat, next to the History Museum. Most of the houses in the area were built in the 17th century; the oldest house in Amsterdam made of wood, dating from 1475, is also here. Wooden houses slowly disappeared because the city forbade their construction in order to prevent fire in the densely populated inner city. The courtyards were created by small religious communities in an attempt to retreat from the world and live their own isolated and devoted lives. The Begijnen - a Catholic order - was only tolerated after the Reformation in the 16th century. Only single women are allowed in the Begijnhof to lead the life of a nun.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Beurs van Berlage

Architecture, Exhibitions & Concerts Damrak 277
Amsterdam 1012 ZJ
+31 (0)20 530 4141
http://www.beursvanberlage.nl/
info@beursvanberlage.nl H.P. Berlage (1856-1934), one of the most famous Dutch architects, built the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (nowadays called Beurs van Berlage) at the Damrak, near Centraal Station over a 5-year period (1898-1903). Berlage's intention was to produce a socialist building, in which all kinds of craftsmanship would come together to support the rise of the proletarian movements at the end of the 1800s in an architectural form. He is considered a forerunner of the Dutch architectural style, De Amsterdamse School (The Amsterdam School). The building isn't used as a Stock Exchange anymore; instead, all kinds of different exhibitions and concerts take place here.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Bijenkorf

Amsterdam's largest department store Dam 1
Amsterdam 1012 JS
+31 (0)20 552 1700
http://www.bijenkorf.nl De Bijenkorf (the Beehive) is Amsterdam's largest department store and can be compared with Harrods in London and KDW in Berlin. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a variety of merchandise, including quality clothing by international designer labels, cosmetics, furniture, toys, jewellery, shoes, CDs, books, delicatessen goods, gifts, kitchen appliances and more. Although it cannot be considered cheap, every shopper will find something of interest in this great-looking department store. De Bijenkorf also provides such advantages as tax-free shopping, a cloakroom, an ATM machine, a parking garage and various restaurants.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Dam

War Memorial In Old City
Amsterdam 1012 JS
+31 (0)20 201 8800 (Tourist Information Centre) In the 13th Century the river Amstel was dammed here and on the banks of the river a small fishing community was founded, called Amstelredam. Boats could unload their freight here and alongside the Damrak. When the Nieuwe Kerk was rebuilt and the Royal Palace (originally the town hall) built, the enclosed square served as the city centre, both socially and for administrative purposes. The city was governed and law and order maintained from here, as can be seen in pictures of public executions on a scaffold in front of the town hall. After WWII, the War Memorial was erected on another square on the Dam, which is now a gathering place for thousands of people and numerous pigeons.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Filmmuseum

A museum for film buffs Vondelpark 3
Amsterdam 1071 AA
+31 (0)20 589 1400
http://www.filmmuseum.nl/
info@filmmuseum.nl You will not find old cameras or technical gizmos here. The silver screen itself is the showcase! Many rare films which can't be seen anywhere else are shown here, as well as recent works; more than 1,000 films shown yearly. Classic movies are screened daily. The museum caters to children, too, with kids' time 3pm every Sunday and holiday (except during July and August). The film library carries a collection of photos, scripts, posters and documents. Enjoy a drink at their Vertigo Cafe.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

More than 6,000 different kinds of plants Plantage Middenlaan 2a
Amsterdam 1018 DD
+31 (0)20 625 9021
http://www.hortus-botanicus.nl
info@dehortus.nl The Hortus Botanicus, created in 1682, has more than 6,000 different kinds of plants. There is a huge, almost futuristic, three-climate greenhouse with the flora of three different climates - tropics, subtropics and desert. Apart from this, there is a palm house with 300-year-old trees. During the autumn half-term holidays there is a Kabouterpad (dwarf path), a sort of hunt for children around 10 years old. On Wednesday afternoons and all day Saturday, children between 6 and 12 years old can join the Openluchtatelier (open air workshop) for drawing and painting. See website for complete list of amenities.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Koninklijk Palace

Former City Hall, now the Royal Palace Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147
Amsterdam 1012 RJ
+31 (0)20 320 4060
http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/e...
info@dkh.nl In the mid-17th Century the painter Jacob van Campen was given the assignment to design a new town hall. The city council wanted a grand symbol for their leading role in Europe at that time - Holland's Golden Age, as well as economic and civic power. The building had to make this clear for everyone to see. The town hall became the biggest in Europe. In 1808 the building was 'transformed' into a Royal Palace by the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis, king of the region during the French occupation. Nowadays, it is still a royal residence. The Dutch royal family, the Oranje-Nassau's, receive royalty and dignitaries at the palace. The new king or queen also present themselves to the citizens of the Netherlands from the balcony of the palace.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Leidseplein

The Leidseplein is very crowded both by day and by night. When the sun is shining the terraces are quickly filled. Street performers entertain the public, mainly consisting of tourists, with acrobatic acts and music. At night the public changes: Amsterdammers go out here to celebrate their weekend, to visit the theatres, cinemas, and clubs. The bars and clubs, such as Escape, close here after 5am. And next morning, only a few hours later, it starts all over again: the first tourists settle down on the terraces.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Madame Tussaud

Wax Figures Dam Square 20
Amsterdam 1012 NP
+31 (0)20 523 0623 / +31 (0)20 522 1010
http://www.madame-tussauds.nl
madame.tussaud@madametussauds.nl Madame Tussaud Scenerama is housed in a very large building in the centre of Amsterdam. It is spread over four floors. An entire section is devoted to Dutch history, and more specifically, the history of Amsterdam. Many European celebrities, sports figures, artists and royalty are present to greet guests (in wax at least). There is a section with contemporary Hollywood stars and another devoted to famous historical figures such as Gandhi and Einstein. Those who fancy standing hand in hand or cheek-to-cheek with your favourite movie star, politician or sport star, this is the place for you. A camera is useful—this is a once in a lifetime encounter. See website for online galleries, webcams, extended summer hours, locations worldwide and more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Magna Plaza

Fabulous shopping centre Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182
Amsterdam 1012 SJ
+31 (0)20 626 9199
http://www.magnaplaza.nl/ Magna Plaza is situated behind the Koninklijk Paleis on Dam square. This former main post office, built in neo-Gothic style according to a design by C.H. Peters in 1898, would feel at home in a fairytale. Inside, it has a large dome-shaped top, beautiful colonnades and decorated sculptures. Because of its interior, facade and historical value, it belongs to the top 100 buildings on the National Heritage list. There are more than forty exclusive shops and two restaurants. The atmosphere in Magna Plaza can be characterised as unique and relaxed. Worth mentioning separately—the small cheese and delicacatessen shop on the ground floor, the shoe shiner and the classical music sometimes played live at the weekends.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Melkweg

Performance, dance and theater in a former dairy Lijnbaansgracht 234a
Amsterdam 1017 PH
+31 (0)20 531 8181
http://www.melkweg.nl
info@melkweg.nl Located in a former dairy, this cultural phenomenon is famous for both its size (capacity: 2,000) and varied activities. Besides a dance floor, you'll find a gallery, cinema, theater and concert stage. Bands are often followed by DJs, the music ranging from house to drum 'n' bass. The diverse audience is young and international; the atmosphere relaxed with plenty of space to dance, sit, and/or mingle.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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NEMO

Educational Museum with a View Oosterdok 2
Amsterdam 1011 VX
+31 (0)20 531 3233
http://www.e-NEMO.nl/
info@e-NEMO.nl The Science Center NEMO, lies in the heart of Amsterdam. Discover technological and scientific developments in the worlds of biomedicine and information technology. Even highbrows may find difficulty discerning between fact and fantasy. An added bonus is a footbridge that ascends from the quayside of the building to a rooftop terrace that offers great views of the city.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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New Market

Authentic Piece of Amsterdam Nieuwmarkt
Amsterdam 1012 CR
Initially a lively fish and cloth market, this square upon which the castle-like De Waag building stands was the holding place for Jews arrested during WWII. In the 1970s, Chinese immigrants created a small Chinatown, and a decade later, locals protested the construction of a subway station here. Now the square is a cool gathering place surrounded by pubs and small restaurants where you can eat well for very little money. A delightful walk along the canals amid some of Amsterdam's oldest houses is highly recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Parade

Circus & Theater Martin Luther King Park
Amsterdam 1079 NG
+31 (0)33 465 4555 (Organisatoren)
http://www.deparade.nl/
info@deparade.nl This annual parade, occuring each August, takes pride in being one of the few travelling festivals remaining in the world. This is an unusual circus, however: it is designed to be inside out, with the public placed in the middle of the action, surrounded by the performers. Small colourful tents encircle the terrain of Martin Luther King Park. The Parade presents 75 different programmes, featuring music, dance, theatre, magic, art, animation and other spectacles. Special children's programs are offered. See website for yearly details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rembrandt House

House of Rembrandt Jodenbreestraat 4
Amsterdam 1011 NK
+31 (0)20 520 0400
http://www.rembrandthuis.nl
museum@rembrandthuis.nl One of the most famous inhabitants that ever graced Amsterdam is without doubt Rembrandt van Rijn. The painter was born in Leiden, but moved to Amsterdam to start his career. His house, nowadays called The Rembrandt House, dates from 1606 and the artist and his wife lived in it between 1639 and 1658. It was in this house that famous paintings such as 'De Nachtwacht' were painted. It exhibits 250 of the 300 etchings Rembrandt created. The museum also owns a number of sketches by Rembrandt and paintings by (among others) his teacher Pieter Lastman and some of Rembrandt's apprentices. See website for visitor information, exhibition schedule and more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rembrandtplein

A pleasant city square bordered by some of the most popular clubs and cafés in Amsterdam, Rembrandtplein is a favorite of travelers itching to experience a taste of the city's nightlife. When the sun is shining, rows upon rows of outdoor summer terraces seat customers looking for a quick bite to eat or a place to begin their night out. Street performers entertain the public, mainly consisting of tourists, with acrobatic acts and music. Café Schiller Bar at Rembrandtplein 26 is one of the area's oldest and most popular spots for summer dining and drinking.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rijksmuseum

Holland's most famous museum Jan Luijkenstraat 1
Amsterdam 1071 ZD
+31 (0)20 674 7000
http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/
info@rijksmuseum.nl This museum is considered a true national treasure. Its exhibits include paintings from the Netherlands' 17th century Golden Age by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. Rembrandt's "Night Watch" is the museum's centerpiece. You'll also find works from the Middle Ages and the 18th and 19th centuries, superb collections of silver and delftware ceramics, old doll's houses and fantastic examples of Asian Art. See website for visitor information, event schedule and more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Photo: Rachel Greggs
Photo: Cara Gouldey
Photo: DANILO BARTOLUCCI
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Shipping Museum

For old times sake Kattenburgerplein 1
Amsterdam 1018 KK
+31 (0)20 523 2222
http://www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl
info@scheepvaartmuseum.nl This museum is located in a 17th Century building previously used as a naval storage depot for the navy. You can see the exciting story of Dutch shipping and trade since the 16th Century in the Maritime Museum. Your voyage through the museum begins downstairs at the wonderful royal barge. The museum has more than 25 rooms featuring paintings, navigation instruments and model ships including old sailing vessels, luxury passenger ships and container ships. You can also view scenes of sea battles and portraits of naval heroes, trace the routes to far-away places on authentic maps, peer through a periscope and visit a radar cabin.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Boris Mann
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Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Contemporary Art Museum Oosterdokskade 5
Amsterdam 1011 AD
+31 (0)20 573 2911
http://www.stedelijk.nl
info@stedelijk.nl Stedelijk Museum boasts a large collection of modern art including sculptures, paintings, posters and new media, mostly dating after 1945. Mondriaan, Malevich, Picasso, De Kooning and Rietveld are all represented. Young artists are featured adjacent to large retrospectives of acclaimed artists. Guided tours in several languages can be requested two weeks in advance.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Van Gogh Museum

Largest Van Gogh collection Paulus Potterstraat 7
Amsterdam 1071 CX
+31 (0)20 570 5200
http://www.vangoghmuseum.com
info@vangoghmuseum.nl Enjoy the world's largest collection of Van Goghs, including paintings, drawings and letters. The museum also has a large collection of works by some of Van Gogh's contemporaries and friends like Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec, as well as a number of older artists whom Van Gogh admired, including Léon L'hermitte and Jean-François Millet. The museum features regular exhibitions highlighting art toward the end of the 19th century.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Carina Ong Su Yin
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VondelPark

City Center Green vondelpark
Amsterdam 1054 ET
+31 20 523 7790 This large, green oasis was created in the second half of the 19th century, and named after the poet Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679), a statue of whom was unveiled here in 1867. Today Vondelpark, one of the most-visited spots in the city, is a restful haven for citizens away from the city's chaos. Come here for inline skating, let your children play in the large playground or have a cup of coffee on one of the four terraces.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Waag

Old weighing house Nieuwmarkt 4
Amsterdam 1012 CR
+31 (0)20 557 9898
http://www.waag.org
society@waag.org The Waag, located on the Nieuwmarkt square, was part of the old town ramparts. It was first named the Gate of St. Anthony, built in 1488, which explains the massive towers and the holes in it. In 1614, the gate was no longer part of the front line of defense and a new, wider rampart was built. It had a new function: a weighing house. This was the place where goods were weighed and the building where taxes were levied. In addition to guilds like the guild of surgeons or the bricklayers' guild, a guild of weighers existed. Nowadays, De Waag also functions as a restaurant and media centre.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Western Gas Factory

Old factory, now a beautiful monument Haarlemmerweg 8
Amsterdam 1014 BE
+31 (0)20 586 0710
http://www.westergasfabriek.nl
info@westergasfabriek.nl The Westergasfabriek (Western Gas Factory) is a former coal gasification plant. It is located just west of the city near both the railway line and the waterfront. Once natural gas was introduced in the mid-1960s, the plant became functionally obsolete. The Westergas plant closed in 1967. The gasworks site consists of nineteen buildings including an immense gas tank. Thirteen are protected as historic buildings under Dutch law. They were built between 1885 and 1905 in a neo-renaissance style, and thus have historical significance. Despite the residual contamination, the local district council, working with its project team and the community, built new relationships and strategies that helped design a new community park, preserved the historic buildings and established the Westergas as an international cultural venue.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Marco Wessel