Art Galleries
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s leading art centres and almost every neighbourhood is home to a thriving gallery scene. The city is a mecca for contemporary cool, and galleries here are especially known for showing the latest experimental works. But the city is also a great spot for buying antique curiosities and the setting for the country's largest annual art fair.
Art and antiques at Spiegelgracht
Spiegelgracht and its extension Nieuwe Spiegelstraat is packed with galleries showcasing contemporary and oriental art, as well as antique shops. The charming historic gabled canal houses here have housed the heart of the national art and antiques trade for the last eighty years. Over seventy specialised antique dealers offer a wide variety of objects, ranging from archaeological finds to 17th century furniture, glassware to Dutch Delftware, oriental art to Art Nouveau, and antique medical instruments to clocks and jewellery. Great finds also include religious icons, paintings and old master prints. A unique way of getting to the Spiegelkwartier is by taking the Canal Bus (stop at Rijksmuseum).
Big names in De Jordaan
The Jordaan district is the picturesque setting for some of the city’s most cutting-edge galleries. Here you can find established galleries Diana Stigter, Annet Gelink and Fons Welters as well as newcomers Gabriel Rolt, Motive Gallery and Martin van Zomeren. You'll find a hub of six interconnected galleries on Lijnbaansgracht. Established artists Dennis Adams, Robert Barry, Ryan McGinness and Shirin Neshat all have representation here. And in keeping with the city's often edgy attitude, there's even the Rockarchive, a gallery specializing in rock 'n roll photography, offering limited edition prints of rock icons and legends, like David Bowie and the Rolling Stones.
Eastern Docklands
The previously deserted docklands were once the perfect breeding ground for artists and underground culture in Amsterdam. Although the Eastern Docklands area has since been gentrified, many artists still live and work in the area. As a result, there are some excellent galleries in this district, including heavyweight Paul Andriesse who represents well-known contemporary artists like Jean-Marc Bustamante, Marlene Dumas and Thomas Struth. Other galleries in the area are 2x2 Projects, Gist and Art Affairs. Come here for the galleries, and stay to browse in the stylish designer furniture shops.
De Pijp
Further to the south in the trendy Pijp district, Juliette Jongma and the Upstream Galleryare known for showcasing up-and-coming talent. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at any of the great restaurants in this area.
Art Amsterdam Art Fair
Visit Amsterdam in May and get your fill of modern and contemporary art at Art Amsterdam, the largest art fair in the country held annually at RAI Convention Centre. As well as the leading Dutch galleries, Art Amsterdam welcomes exhibitors from all over the world. The exhibits range from photographs, paintings and video art to sculptures, drawings and installations. Other attractions of Art Amsterdam are lectures, guided tours, and educational workshops for Dutch and foreign collectors.
Do-it-yourself Art Gallery
This being Amsterdam, anything goes and there is even a “do-it-yourself” art gallery called Chiellerie. The concept gives upcoming artists the opportunity to organize their own exhibitions. There are no selection committees or hefty commission fees to negotiate – artists simply rent the space for a week. This makes the Chiellerie the perfect haunt to search for a new masterpiece!
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