5 Exceptional Museums in Amsterdam
/Exceptional museums in Amsterdam
The small, undiscovered gems of Amsterdam
We all know the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, or Tropenmuseum, but Amsterdam has more fantastic museums. As a culture lover, you don't want to miss these 'unknown' gems. It also helps to keep those crowds away from you while you get to enjoy yourself.
Fashion for Good
In the heart of Amsterdam is the surprising fashion museum Fashion for Good. Upon entering, you will immediately receive a warm welcome from the friendly staff, who will tell you everything about how sustainability is central to their collection. Downstairs you will be taken along in the journey a T-shirt takes before it ends up in your closet with the help of illustrations. Special: in this room, you can feel cotton before and after it has been cleaned by hand, a world of difference. The walls' interesting items contribute to the fact that this visit continues to fascinate you and make you more environmentally aware. For example, did you know that it takes 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton T-shirt? And that workers receive only 0.6% of the proceeds per copy? On the first floor, you can see Hong Kong clothing designs made from residual waste. You will also discover innovations, from a biodegradable bag to cotton made from bananas. What can be seen there changes once every three months. In the accompanying concept store, you score fashion that is related to themes such as waste. Do you have the (green) taste after this visit? Go to the related events, exchange your items during the Fashion for Good clothing exchange, and download the Good On You app.
Rokin 102, Fashionforgood.com
Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder
In the middle of the Red Light District is one of the oldest and most beautiful museums in the city: Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder. As you walk in peace through the narrow corridors of the seventeenth-century canal house via the historic stairs, you enter the place of the former owner Jan Hartman and his family. In the meantime, you can listen to the stories behind the rooms via the audio tour. A confessional, box bed, an old kitchen, a unique double door, tiles with children and animals playing; every time you are curious about what you will see in the next room. The highlight is the beautiful church in the attic! Hartman bought two houses at the time and involved the top floors. For example, from 1661, Roman Catholics had a place to pray in secret. Because it is mostly still intact and very atmospheric - almost magically - lit, you keep looking at it. In the café at the entrance building, you can recover from all the impressions with delicious apple pie.
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, Opsolder.nl
Electric Ladyland
In Electric Ladyland - the museum of fluorescent art - you will feel like a child in the seventies for a while. You can admire the colorful works of the American artist and owner, Nick. In the meantime, listen to hits by music icon Jimi Hendrix; this place is named after his albums. As soon as you take off your shoes, you become part of the creations, and (especially with the landscape), it seems like you are entering a fairytale. Nick and his wife, two enthusiastic hippies, are happy to show you around and tell you all about the luminous sculptures and minerals. Go here for an experience that makes you happy!
Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, Electric-lady-land.com
Micropia
For a fun and educational outing, Micropia - the only museum in the world about microbes (bacteria) - is the right place. Upon entering, it immediately feels like you are in a lab. All employees wear white doctor's coats, it is dark, there are tubes with bright colors, and microscopes are everywhere. Do take a look because this is your chance to see animals such as the slipper animal, the white mosquito larva, diatom, and lichen in the most delicate details. The blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria), which take care of photosynthesis, are a feast for your eyes. A bit further down, you can see how much bacteria there are actually on contemporary items, such as your toothbrush or a sponge (yes, really!). One of the most beautiful things you see in the family tree of life; the luminous branches show 1. 500 kinds of visible and invisible organisms. Ready for more interactivity? Do a body scan and check how many microbes your body has or kiss your loved one at the Kiss-o-meter. And go on an adventure in the food room, do you dare to smell the different fungi? Afterward, all your senses will be on edge again.
Artisplein, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Micropia.nl
Open Space Contemporary Art Museum
Different cultures come together at the Open Space Contemporary Art Museum. Because the museum is located in the Bijlmer, which is also reflected in art, fashion, and design, it gets an extra meaning. For example, there is a series of photos in which Marques Malacia, who used to live in this district, reflects on the theme of resistance. Another notable work is Bavaria's heart - popularly known as 'Aggie' - a favorite drink among residents for years. You also admire a lot of fashion and cheerful art. The walls are full of playful paintings and carpets by designer Bas Kosters. Ahead, you'll see eccentric costumes for the Dutch National Opera & Ballet and glamorous black and white images by leading fashion photographer Marc de Groot. The collection has a nice variety of aesthetics and symbolism. For example, Coca Olakunle shows with her colorful photos that refugees in Kenya are not pathetic but powerful. In this small space, you walk at your leisure along with the creations and especially discover how beautiful diversity is. Please note the museum is closed on Sundays. The entrance is free!
Bijlmerplein 110, Amsterdam, oscam.nl
Which of these museums have you seen already?
