From Scale Model to Metropolis

Exhibitions

From Scale Model to Metropolis

Image from Stadsarchief Amsterdam

From Model to Metropolis is an exhibition by Arcam about 40 years of urban development in Amsterdam. Featuring models and stories from designers, policymakers, and residents. On view at Arcam at the Oosterdok, from May 8 to September 27, 2026. Discover how choices made in the past shape the city of tomorrow.

From Scale Model to Metropolis

Dates

Fri 8 May13:00 - 17:00

Sat 9 May13:00 - 17:00

Sun 10 May13:00 - 17:00

More dates

Location

Architectuurcentrum Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade 600, 1011 VX Amsterdam

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Contact

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About the exhibition

In the exhibition From Scale Model to Metropolis (May 8 – September 2026), you experience Amsterdam up close, from the first scale models of iconic projects to the buildings of the future. Using unique scale models, you follow five construction phases of the past 40 years. And alongside realized buildings, this exhibition also shows the city of tomorrow with scale models of future buildings.

5 periods

The exhibition is structured around 5 periods, each presenting a unique vision of the city.

• 1986–1995 – The city recaptured (including the Rembrandt Tower)

• 1996–2005 – Experimentation and expression (including Silodam, IJ Tower, Zig-zag homes GWL site, Arcam)

• 2006–2015 – The global city (including Stedelijk Museum, Valley)

• 2016–2025 – The Just City (including De Ceuvel, Station Wildeman),

• 2025 and beyond – The city of tomorrow (Brink Tower, De Torteltuin, Haven-Stad)

Living history

Together, the scale models form a living history of the city: not only looking back, but also forward. An Amsterdam that is constantly being conceived, fought for, and built anew.

Dates and times

Date	Time
Friday 8 May	Time: 13:00 - 17:00
Saturday 9 May	Time: 13:00 - 17:00
Sunday 10 May	Time: 13:00 - 17:00

Accessibility

General accessibility provisions and information

Present, available or allowed

Service dog allowed
Personal assistant
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Provisions for people with reduced mobility

Present, available or allowed

Stairs with handrail
Lift
Passageways that are sufficiently wide
Accessible restroom
Mobile payment

Provisions for people who are blind or partially sighted

Present, available or allowed

Accessible information

Provisions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Present, available or allowed

Open captioning

Provisions for people who require low sensory environments

Present, available or allowed

Hidden disability Sunflower-keycord recognised here

Not present, not available or not allowed

Guide lines
Hearing loop (t-coil or headphones)
Sign language interpretation provided
Closed captioning
Low stimulus hours
Sensory experience
Audio description
Material in Braille

Explanation by From Scale Model to Metropolis

Stimulus-free hours: (On request, the exhibition can be visited on weekdays outside regular opening hours. This can be requested at arcam@arcam.nl or 020 620 4878