There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what shall we do in February 2026? Check out our latest cultural tips here. My name is Annabelle Hinam. I am 28 years old, born and raised in Amsterdam. I graduated from the theater academy in Utrecht in July 2021 and am currently working as an actor, writer, voice-over artist, and cook. In addition to working in the cultural sector (and not just in the theater world), I also enjoy visiting other forms of art. Museums, films, exhibitions, local neighborhood initiatives, and more. Every month, I write a series of tips that I think are worth visiting. Questions or tips? Email me! You can do so at: hinamannabelle@gmail.com. At the bottom of my tip, you will always find the website and/or Instagram of the place for more information.
Museums and exhibitions
Women of West, the art of gender (in)equality – Buitenkunst Amsterdam (ongoing exhibition)
It is still winter, of course, but with good mittens, a coat, and a hat, you can enjoy a fun art walking route through Amsterdam West where female artists are put in the spotlight. Female creators in Amsterdam's outdoor art collection are heavily underrepresented, or they are depicted in a stereotypical manner. During this walking route, existing artworks are Spotlight tell you more about the theme. For example, during this route you will discover that there is a work of art by Florence Nightingale in the middle of West, and there are all kinds of other hidden gems to discover about female artists in your own city.
Website & tickets:Routes
And don't be late for these current exhibitions!
Navid Nuur: When Doubt Turns into Destiny – De Oude Kerk (until February 9)
Navid Nuur is an artist who searches for meaning in works that lie between alchemy and art. He attempts to visualize processes in nature, such as abstract subjects like the flow of energy or the perception of time. In the Oude Kerk, he specifically explores light, time and space, visible and invisible phenomena, and physical and chemical principles. A sensory and unforgettable experience.
Website & tickets:Tickets
20th century: Srefidensi: fifty years of Surinamese independence – The Rijksmuseum (until May)
Every six months, the Rijksmuseum presents new topics about the 20th century. Suriname has now been independent for fifty years, which is reason enough for an extensive exhibition. There are photos of demonstrations in 1944 at the monument to dockworker Willem Diepraam, the significance of Srefidensi Day is explained in detail, and there are traditional angisas and other historical monuments. An important exhibition that every Amsterdam resident should see.
Website & tickets: Tickets
Tilda Swinton, Ongoing – Eye Filmmuseum (until February 18, 2026)
In this personal exhibition, Scottish actor Tilda Swinton showcases all her various creative collaborations. Among others, Luca Guadagnino, Tim Walker, Pedro Almodóvar, and Joanna Hogg are featured. What is special about this exhibition is that Eye has never before focused so extensively on the creative influence of an actor, and Swinton is the perfect person to kick off this (perhaps new tradition?). It is diverse, challenging, original, and inspiring.
Website & tickets: Tickets
Kusukazu Uraguchi, Shima no Ama – Huis Marseille (October 18 to February 8)
In serene black and white images, Kusukazu Uraguchi brings the ama to life: Japanese female divers who have made their living from the sea for generations. Their rhythm, strength, and connection to the water are palpable in every photograph. An intimate portrait of tradition and transience, beautifully displayed in the rooms of Huis Marseille.
Website & tickets: www.huismarseille.nl
IN SITU #1, Nora Turato: I HEAR YOU, I HEAR YOU – Stedelijk Museum (ongoing)
The mezzanine of the Stedelijk's New build features a massive 'in-between space.' The Stedelijk has commissioned a group of young artists to experiment in this space. Nora Turato is the first artist to kick off IN SITU. Her work includes video and sound installations that explore our relationship with language.
Website & tickets: www,stedelijk.nl
Theater, dance, opera
De NWE Tijd – Flemish Cultural Center De Brakke Grond (February 23)
De Nwe Tijd has been organizing Monday evenings at De Brakke Grond for 10 years, which is why the overarching theme of this year's Monday evenings is PARTY. On February 23, the specific theme is GIFT. Rebekka de Wit will recite texts and there will be live music by Electric Feathers. They are an electronic pop group from Amsterdam, who normally perform at festivals but will be playing a more intimate set for this Monday evening. There is also a collaboration with publishers Borgerhoff and Lambrichts, in which the best texts from the past ten years have been compiled in a Monday Evening Book. Reason enough to go to the Brakke Grond on February 23.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Art, Eating with Men – Theater Bellevue (February 5 and 6)
In the play Art, we initially see three friends who purchase a single white painting for a bizarrely high amount of money. This leads to confrontations about friendship, conversations about taste, loyalty, and expectations. Just like the characters, the actors have also been friends for years. The idea for the play Kunst actually came about during a dinner between the three men. It is sometimes unclear when they are playing themselves and when they are playing a character, which makes the performance exciting and challenging.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Longen, Toneelgroep Maastricht / Stichting NOX – Frascati Theater (February 12-14)
In Longen, we follow two thirty-somethings, a man and a woman. They live in the present day, a time when nothing is certain. They are highly educated, in love, and concerned about the state of the world. While innocently standing in line at IKEA, the man asks the woman if it isn't time to have a child. This conversation leads to an intense dialogue full of vulnerability, sharpness, and intimacy. Duncan Macmillan wrote this dialogue and Zorba Huisman directed the Dutch version with two brilliant actors: Frieda Barnhard and Nick Renzo Garcia give stellar performances.
Website & tickets:Tickets
DONNIE, Robbie Wallin, and Roziena Salihu – Dutch National Opera and Poldertheater (until February 18)
Roziena Salihu and Robbie Wallin adapted Mozart's Don Giovanni into a story told by the people around Don Giovanni. DONNIE is an energetic youth performance that the whole class can relate to. Poldertheater and Dutch National Opera joined forces to create a combination of opera and hip hop, with a major role for a live band. Young actors aged 23 and under take you on a journey through this story, which has become a celebration of countless different styles. Highly recommended for young and old alike.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Pa, Eric Corton in collaboration with Solo Stories – DeLaMar Theater (February 7 and 8)
The hit show Ma (based on the book of the same name by Hugo Borst) was showered with five-star reviews, which is why we now have Pa. As theater producer Solo Stories celebrates its tenth anniversary, they want to once again reflect on the many people with dementia and their caregivers. In the show Pa, a father takes a fascinating journey through his own imagination. What makes it special is that it is accompanied by Eric Corton on guitar. The show is humorous, filled with beautiful music, and touches your heart deeply.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Music
Mystery Ensemble: Vivaldi's Four Seasons – Het Zonnehuis (February 7)
In this compelling tribute to the incomparable composer Antonio Vivaldi, the Mystery Ensemble plays the stars from the sky. During the concert, you can also admire beautiful, lively musical images. The Mystery Ensemble distinguishes itself by playing at original locations around the world, always consciously choosing to approach everything from a slightly different perspective.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Maarten Hogenhuis Trio – Het Bimhuis (February 20)
Saxophonist Maarten Hogenhuis is known for his musical diversity. He has collaborated with many different musicians, including singer Thomas Azier. This combination brings together pop, free jazz, and improvisation. He has also worked closely with guitarist Jesse van Ruller. During this performance, he will play many songs from his most recent album, in which he delves into the work of Cole Porter. Together with bassist Phil Donkin and drummer Mark Schilders, this trio will provide a thrilling, original jazz evening on February 20 that every music lover should attend.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Festivals
Chinese New Year in the Nieuwmarkt neighborhood (February 17)
Chinese New Year falls around February 17, which means it's party time on Zeedijk. The Year of the Horse will be celebrated with all kinds of activities. Of course, the official celebration Location the Fo Guang Shan He Hua Buddhist temple, but there will also be plenty to do, see, and eat at other Chinese restaurants on Zeedijk, Stormsteeg, Geldersekade, and at the floating Chinese restaurant Sea Palace!
Website & tickets:Agenda
Films
Hamnet
This "perfect film," as critics describe Chloé Zhao's (known for Nomadland, among others) Hamnet, delves into the story behind Hamlet, William Shakespeare's most famous play. England's most famous writer is phenomenally portrayed here by the multi-talented Paul Mescal, who beautifully conveys the intriguing emotional character on the silver screen. His wife, Agnes, is also beautifully played by Jessie Buckley, and together they tell the story of their budding love, the loss of their 11-year-old son, and the first performance of Hamlet. A film that gets under your skin and makes it almost impossible not to cry.
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley
This documentary offers a glimpse into the short life of Jeff Buckley, a man who rose to fame in a very short time. His high voice, his world-famous album Grace, and his early death at the age of thirty are reason enough to delve deeply into his life and make an impressive documentary about him.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
In this documentary, we follow the modest teacher Pavel "Pasha" Talankin. He is a mentor in the Russian town of Karabash, and his students love him dearly. When Russia invades Ukraine, everything suddenly changes. His beloved school changes rapidly, flags are raised, and history lessons are changed overnight. Pasha makes videos and is assigned to film everything. But he only films the fear, the regime that tolerates less and less freedom, and the intense military odes and marches. His camera gives him power. The story grabs you by the throat, but at the same time it is light and funny. A special, frightening, important, and topical film about the current times.
