Art and culture in De Plantage

Jewish Cultural Quarter

For centuries, De Plantage was a sanctuary for the city’s Jewish life. After waves of global persecution, Jews from all walks of life flocked to the city for its protective and tolerant spirit. Here, a diverse Jewish community flourished until the brutality of World War II changed the neighbourhood forever. Discover this rich cultural history at the Jewish Cultural Quarter (JCK), rife with monuments, memorials and museums that celebrate and commemorate. The Jewish Museum is a beautiful and prominent museum located across four monumental synagogues which give a multifaceted picture of Dutch Jewish life – including the interactive Children’s Museum. Dating back to 1675, the Portuguese Synagogue is one of the world’s largest synagogues and houses Ets Haim, the oldest active Jewish library in the world. Nearby, you’ll find the grand Hollandsche Schouwburg and The National Holocaust Memorial of Names, which consists of 102,000 bricks bearing the names and dates of birth and death of those deported from the Netherlands and murdered during World War II.

Amsterdam Museum on the Amstel

Now at its new temporary location in H'ART Museum, Amsterdam Museum on the Amstel reveals a multifaceted insight into the Dutch capital, from its 16th-century genesis to its imagined future. Learn about the genesis of the city in Amsterdam DNA or gain insight into the valuable but oft-overlooked contributions of Amsterdam's women at Women of Amsterdam - an Ode.

Kriterion Cinema

Established in 1945, this dynamic student-run movie theatre emerged from the resistance movement of WWII. After its founders had dropped out of university, they became involved in the courageous process of hiding Jewish children from Nazi persecution. Today, Kriterion is still a student association and a meeting place; the cafe attracts an eclectic crowd of film buffs and local residents. Along with screenings of progressive art-house films as well as the best of this year's Hollywood flicks, you can also catch sneak previews, exhibitions, talks and festival events.

Rembrandt House Museum

Very few figures are as synonymous with the history of Amsterdam as Rembrandt van Rijn. Rembrandt House, a beautifully restored townhouse just off Waterlooplein, captures the far-reaching legacy of this legendary painter. Rembrandt lived here for several decades when he was at the height of his career, and the museum provides a multifaceted insight into his life and work. Explore the studio where he created many of his most famous works, admire a large display of original etchings and explore the living quarters for a glimpse into his everyday life. The programming is regularly rotated with exhibitions that expand upon 17th-century themes.

Royal Theatre Carré

Royal Theatre Carre has true star power. For over a century, this historic and beautifully-located venue has attracted massive stars, ranging from internationally acclaimed comedians and musicians to some of the country’s most noteworthy cabaret acts and variety shows. Experience all the glitz and glamour at this special venue, right on the banks of the glittering Amstel river. Complete your evening out with a drink in the lavish foyers or by dining in one of its two restaurants.

H'ART Museum

Formerly the Hermitage Amsterdam, this prominent building on the Amstel spent the first three centuries of its life as a home for the elderly. Extensive renovation since then has turned it into an architectural beauty without removing any of its history. Since becoming the H'ART Museum, it has curated a range of star-studded temporary exhibits, including a Kandinsky retrospective and a glimpse into the expansive art of the Leiden Collection, which include an impressive host of Rembrandts and Vermeers.

Museum of the Mind | Outsider Art

Few things are as complex, misunderstood and fascinating as the human mind. The Museum van de Geest (Museum of the Mind | Outsider Art) is dedicated to exploring all that we know (and don't know) about this incredible organ. This intriguing museum is spread over two locations, with one exhibition space in Haarlem and the other in a wing of H'ART. The museum celebrates work by so-called ‘outsider’ artists of the last century, whose practices have developed beyond the influence of the mainstream art world. The display changes twice a year and there are always unique and challenging pieces to engage with. Previous exhibitions have showcased artists working in unconventional mediums like crochet, spoken-word, photography and illustration.

National Opera & Ballet

Immerse yourself in the world of performance at the world-class Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Its expansive program pays homage to the greats of opera and ballet, as well as making space for the new and the innovative with forward-thinking festivals like Opera Forward Festival (OFF). Here, the experimental and the traditional brush shoulders, renowned voices meet emerging talents, and the art of performance is pushed to its limits. Between the exquisite artistry, innovative productions, dazzling sets and costumes, an evening here is sure to be unforgettable.

@droog

Right at the forefront of Amsterdam's art and design scene, @droog is a public art space that mixes conceptual design, meeting rooms and hospitality into a unique and multifunctional venue. Amidst these large light-filled rooms, artists and designers mix and mingle. There's always an exhibition to discover, with a program of regular artist talks and debates you can participate in.

Luther Museum

The elegant period rooms and rich art collections of the Luther Museum tell the story of the Lutheran congregation in Amsterdam. Learn about the important role women have played in the church as well as contemporary efforts to support immigrants, the poor and the LGBTQ community. In the impressive church hall you can watch classical music concerts and piano recitals with spectacular acoustics, and the museum provides the starting point for some fascinating guided walking tours through the city centre.

Jazz at the Plantage

Every summer, music by some of the city’s finest jazz musicians can be heard playing in Amsterdam’s many public gardens. Jazz at the Plantage is an annual festival showcasing some of the most exciting young talents from the city’s music academy. The programme plays out through a series of open-air concerts performed on the orangery terrace in the Hortus Botanical Gardens and in the courtyard of H'ART Museum. These intimate performances are not to be missed and are a magical way to unwind on a weekend afternoon.