Art and culture in Noord
Amsterdam Noord has long been a hotspot for culture and nightlife, with creatives attracted to the open spaces and previously neglected industrial buildings. The neighbourhood encompasses cutting-edge architecture, cinemas, and not-for-profit art spaces with a world-class film museum and some stand-out theatres and concert halls thrown in for good measure. The area is perfect to explore by bike, stopping in at various alternative venues, hipster hangouts and exhibition spaces along the way.
Eye Filmmuseum
Eye Filmmuseum’s striking architecture quickly transformed it into one of Amsterdam’s modern icons. Situated on the northern bank of the IJ, this cinema and film museum, café/restaurant and cutting-edge event location is a must-see. Eye has four comfortable screening rooms where visitors can enjoy the latest art house fare and the finest restored classics along with retrospectives, lectures, Q&As, performances and live music. In April, the museum also hosts the 11-day Imagine Film Festival where cinema lovers can immerse themselves in all of the new cinematic realms that the movie genre has to offer.
Tolhuistuin
Tolhuistuin is Noord’s dynamic cultural hotspot and a sanctuary for all art forms, mainstream or avant-garde. There are gigs and parties organised every week by Paradiso, as well as dance lessons by the Solid Ground Movement and shows led by talented DJs, graffiti artists and dancers. On-site, you will find a café-restaurant, a sunny terrace along the IJ, an idyllic garden, three theatre and concert halls, exhibition spaces, a hip-hop school and a children's art centre. Also check out the agenda at city's newest club, Parallel - located in the Tolhuistuin building. The venue hosts an array of club nights, concerts, exhibitions, art installations and spoken word events.
FC Hyena
This boutique cinema and eatery has transformed Amsterdam Noord into the perfect hip hangout for film lovers. A great mix of art-house and popular films are programmed across two screens, each with its homemade comfy seating. At the restaurant, you can enjoy light bites such as tacos, oysters and pastries from the wood oven, along with natural wines from the bar.
Sexyland World
The revamped Sexyland World recently opened its doors to the art-loving public at a new spot in Noord (Noordwal 1). It's a cultural clubhouse and experimental project space that operates with a different owner everyday. This new venue is a collaboration between twenty different initiatives working under a not-for-profit model where all income flows back to participating partners. Feast your eyes on the agenda for everything from exhibitions, seances and book launches through to knitting groups, swingers clubs and a kaleidoscopic array of parties.
Shelter
Shelter is a subterranean nightclub and exhibition space located in the basement of the landmark A'DAM Lookout on Amsterdam's northern waterfront. Shelter’s programming is set on curating sounds from all types of electronic music, showcasing electronica from the defining outreaches of the industry. Underground clubbing at its finest.
A’DAM Lookout
Tower of many talents, A'DAM was re-born in early 2016 as one of Amsterdam’s most exciting nightlife and creative hubs. The building is home to a rooftop observation deck, a fancy boutique hotel, a nightclub and a selection of top-notch bars and eateries - including the revolving restaurant, Moon on the 19th floor. In the evening, head up to Madam, a trendy sky bar serving up cocktails and music to match.
Amsterdam Noord Museum
Following the First World War, there was a great housing shortage in Amsterdam, and many workers' houses didn't even have sanitation facilities. To combat the stink, 21 public bathhouses were established across the city. After being closed for decades, The Vogeldorp Bathhouse was reopened in 2009 as Amsterdam Noord Museum. The changing exhibition programme showcases recent innovations and developments in Amsterdam Noord as well as various aspects of the history, residents and local culture.
