Netherlands
ArTicks Gallery is Amsterdam’s first gallery focused on underground contemporary art. Now there is a place in Amsterdam for exhibitions from the progressive world of urban art and street art.
www.articksgallery.com
Singel 88, 1015-AD Amsterdam
+31 (0)20 737 1505
Google map: bit.ly/mCtZ5Z
Amsterdam’s Museum of Modern Art has a fabulous collection from Piat Mondrian to Karel Appel. There’s a host of galleries in the city centre but this has one of the best collections of contemporary art and is definitely worth a look. It’s free with a Museumkaart or Amsterdam Stadspas and there’s a nice little café on the second floor where you can grab a coffee and discuss the exhibits.
Oosterdokskade 3–5
Academie OT301, the former Netherlands Film Academie, is a legalized squat featuring two large performance/rehearsal spaces, a cinema, cafe and gallery space with cultural activities and events. Check it out for the mega-cheap organic vegan restaurant. A meal costs €5 but must be reserved from 4pm on the day; dinner is served at 7pm.
ot301.nl/
Vereniging Eerst Hulp Bij Kunst
Overtoom 301, 1054 HW Amsterdam
Google map: bit.ly/n1HnzP
The Van Gogh museum is well worth the visit, even if you’re not necessarily an art lover. Just enjoy the atmosphere of the museum and the simplicity of the paintings. And think about that poor soul whose mind endured torment to produce these masterpieces.
Also check out the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt’s “Nightwatch”. And those fascinating Dutch interiors by Vermeer and Van Hals.
Van Gogh Museum: Paulus Potterstraat 7; www.vangoghmuseum.nl;
Rijksmuseum: Jan Luijkenstraat 1; www.rijksmuseum.nl
Forgive the Dutch for laying it on a bit thick this year with the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt's birth, and get yourself to Amsterdam for an art-lover's dream. There's exhibitions all over the city, with the comprehensive displays at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum among the highlights. One of the only chances you'll have to see so much art in one place at the same time.
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