Art and culture in Westerpark

Westergas

Westergas - a cultural complex spread through the former gas factory buildings in the centre of Westerpark - is home to a wealth of weekly cultural events and festivals. These have earned the love of locals and visitors alike - from unmissable raves during ADE and Queer & Pride to the annual Coffee Festival, exhibitions and concerts. Don't miss Unseen Photo Fair in September, one of Westerparks' major yearly events. Hosted within the unique shiny metal cylinder of the Gashouder, the world’s most exciting photography galleries and cutting-edge artists are brought together for a weekend-long event. For more tips, always keep an eye on our events calendar to get an idea of what's on show in Westergas right now.

Fabrique des Lumières

The new digital art centre, Fabrique des Lumières, uses cutting-edge technology to create immersive exhibitions devoted to some of the most celebrated figures in art history - think Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, and Salvador Dalí. The exhibitions will be designed to complement Westergasfabriek's unique architecture. In addition to the immersive exhibitions that focus on classical and modern artists, an area will be devoted to the exhibition of contemporary works.

Museum Het Schip

Dive into the whacky architectural style of the Amsterdam School movement at Museum Het Schip, located in the unique neighbourhood of Spaarndammerbuurt. This expressionist building (called "the ship" because of its nautical shape) hosts some fascinating exhibitions about this early 20th-century design movement that draws comparisons to Art Deco.

Filmhuis Cavia

Step inside an unassuming building and make your way to the 2nd floor to discover an atmospheric and alternative house of cinema with a penchant for screening independent films and special screenings that will enchant movie lovers. Run entirely bo volunteers, Filmhuis Cavia has been known for engaging programming that often involves moviemakers since the 1970s.

Amaze

Amaze is a new audiovisual experience created from lasers, lights, smoke, new media art and impressive visuals. Make your way through the immersive labyrinth spread across seven rooms of a fascinating building; the Elementenstraat location was once the offices of a peanut roasting company and later became a notorious illegal rave location. The interactive experience is suitable for all ages, promising a journey “from head to heart”.

Pacific

During the weekend at this large industrial-style restaurant and bar, the tables are pushed aside as DJs take to the decks. The style at Pacific is geared towards swinging rock ‘n’ roll nights, with live bands appearing regularly. In addition to the regular club nights, the agenda at Pacific encompasses various cultural events which take place both indoors and on the spacious terrace. Stop by for everything from live music evenings, spoken word and comedy nights to exhibitions, salsa or yoga classes and art workshops for kids.

Radio Radio

This pop-up DJ bar in Westerpark plays sets all night long every Thursday to Sunday. At Radio Radio, you can expect a curation of the coolest sounds from all over the world, and they live stream too. Tuck into cocktails on the terrace before heading inside to the intimate dancefloor.

Ketelhuis Cinema

What started from humble beginnings as a pop-up cinema in the Westergas cultural complex - a converted gasworks in the centre of Westerpark - Ketelhuis Cinema has grown into an important landmark for Dutch cinema, international arthouse and documentary film. The driving force behind the venue is a dedicated team of volunteers who keep an eye on the smooth projection of the films and keep the food and drinks flowing from behind the well-stocked bar.

De Nieuwe Anita

We’re not sure who Anita is but we certainly like her eclectic retro style. This living room bar, De Nieuwe Anita, in West has a small stage for some pretty alternative events, including slam poetry, spoken word, comedy nights, acoustic music, DJ events, club nights and everything mixed together. Drop by to hear performances from some of the city’s most exciting musical and literary talents in an intimate venue.

Markt Centraal

This enormous indoor space hidden in the city's heart was first opened in 1934 as the main trading centre for fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. The building has stood empty for the last 20 years but is now being repurposed into a lively meeting place for foodies, local entrepreneurs and creatives working in culture, fashion, music and theatre. Check out the agenda for live music and food events. There’s even a mini train that will transfer you to and from the entrance gate. On one side of the depot building, you can also spot a colossal mural painted by Keith Haring in 1986, one of his few surviving public works, that was recently uncovered and restored. And if you’re returning to Amsterdam in 2025, check out how the area has developed into a full-blown residential district, the Marktkwartier West.