There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what shall we do in March 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
Erwin Olaf, Freedom – Stedelijk Museum (until April 6)
Erwin Olaf passed away suddenly two years ago, and now there is the first museum retrospective entitled Freedom. Olaf was one of the most versatile, creative, and profound Dutch photographic artists our country has ever known. Naturally, this exhibition features many of his well-known works, but lesser-known pieces, such as videos and sculptures, are also on display. A must-see for every Amsterdam art lover.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Yellow. More than Van Gogh's favorite color – Van Gogh Museum (until May 17)
For many people, the color yellow symbolizes cheerfulness, warmth, and exuberance. But for Van Gogh, yellow also represented courage, innovation, and much more. In this exhibition, which is entirely devoted to Van Gogh's favorite color yellow, we see what the color meant and why it was innovative in the 19th century. In addition, there is also a special installation by Olafur Eliasson, which allows the public to experience the color yellow in a unique way.
Website & tickets:Tickets
And don't be late for these current exhibitions!
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
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
A Streetcar Named Desire – Rebecca Frecknall, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (March 4–22)
Tennessee Williams' classic play of the same name was reinterpreted in 2023 at the Almeida Theatre in London and showered with stars and rave reviews. In this play, director Rebecca Frecknall explains in a physical and emotional way what desire, power, and self-destruction do to you. The three leading roles of Blanche DuBois, Stanley Kowalski, and Stella are brilliantly portrayed by top actors Minne Koole, June Yanez, and Hannah Hoekstra.
Website & tickets:Tickets
De gedroomden (The Dreamers), David Roos & Zephyr Brüggen – Frascati (March 11-18)
This musical performance brings the letters of Ingeborg Bachmann and Paul Celan to life. Ingeborg was the daughter of a Nazi, Paul the son of parents who both died in a concentration camp. Zephyr Brüggen and David Roos, together with musician Timon Persoon, explored what the correspondence from post-war Vienna still means in 2026. What parallels with the present can be drawn from these dramatic letters between two lovers in times of war?
Website & tickets: Tickets
Mother of Europe, Orkater – Schouwburg Amstelveen (March 14)
In this performance by Orkater, we follow Empress Maria Theresa, who, together with her daughter Marie Antoinette, wants to maintain her position at all costs. Theresia believes that Marie Antoinette must have children with the French king in order to protect the dynasty. While all this is going on, we also follow the young violinist and composer Chevalier, who is slowly but surely becoming better known among the French elite. We see different lives that, at that moment in time, each want to leave their own unique mark on Europe. Directed by Belle van Heerikhuizen and performed by a fantastic cast, this is already one of the better musical performances of 2026. One you don't want to miss, and one that is well worth the bike ride to Amstelveen.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Paquita / Carmen / 5 Tangos – Dutch National Ballet (until March 4)
In this triptych, you will be overwhelmed by exciting, talented, and diverse dance. Ted Brandsen's Carmen has always been a crowd favorite, and with good reason. It is dynamic, spectacular, and above all, a good story. Marius Petipa's Paquita, adapted by Rachel Beaujean, has given this classic a new look, with great results. Last but not least, Hans van Manen's 5 Tangos is one of van Manen's most performed works, and this version shows once again why. It is a unique opportunity to admire these performances as a triptych.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Theory of Flames, Michel van der Aa – Dutch National Opera (March 6–22)
For this opera, Michel van der Aa delves into the themes of disinformation and conspiracy theories, resulting in this surprisingly fresh film opera, Theory of Flames. Van Aa previously created the successful opera Upload, and fans of that piece are in for a treat, because with Theory of Flames, van Aa has created an interesting contemporary follow-up within this contemporary dystopian theme.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Music
Pergolesi's Stabat mater by La Sfera Armoniosa and Mike Fentross – The Concertgebouw (March 3)
La Sfera Armoniosa is a baroque ensemble that is second to none. Mike Fentross conducts his musicians in a fantastic and original way. Their approach is characterized by thorough research into seventeenth- and eighteenth-century manuscripts, followed by a comparison of different composers and musicians. Often unknown works are juxtaposed with those of great masters such as Handel and Vivaldi. This evening's program therefore includes not only Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, but also the music of Count Unico Wilhelm van Wassenaer, which will be performed in a special way.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Andrea Bocelli – Ziggo Dome (March 29 and 30)
This world-famous voice can be heard for two evenings at the Ziggo Dome, and Bocelli will not be alone on stage, but accompanied by his 60-member choir and 69-member orchestra. A musical feast, in other words. Bocelli is considered one of the greatest tenors of his generation and is the best-selling solo artist in the history of classical music. On March 29 and 30, you will have the opportunity to hear this emotional, passionate, majestic voice in our own Ziggo Dome, so be sure to attend!
Website & tickets:Tickets
Festivals / Trade Shows
NOCKNOCK ART FAIR – Kromhouthal (March 5-8)
With over 180 artists, 15,000 visitors, and a revamped program, the NOCKNOCK ART FAIR 2026 at the Kromhouthal in Noord will be the biggest ever. The program includes Art on the Catwalk, various talks, performances, panel discussions, and live painting. During the fair, you can also participate in Find Your Fit, where interior design and art come together and you can get advice from experts in the field. In addition, you can enjoy a bite to eat at a delicious restaurant on site.
Website & tickets:Website
Films
March is Pink Film Days, so I'm also recommending the opening film of this festival: Palestine 36.
Palestine 36
Palestine 36 is a poignant portrait of people in Palestine in 1936, caught between personal choices and historical events. Director Annemarie Jacir and a strong cast, including Hiam Abbass and Jeremy Irons, bring this intense story to life in a subtle and human way.
Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights is the bold new adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, written and directed by Emerald Fennell (known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn). In this version, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi play the leading roles of Catherine (Cathy) and Heathcliff. These two characters and their complex, often stormy relationship form the core of the story. The chemistry between the actors and the beautiful English landscape contribute greatly to the tension and atmosphere of the classic story, while Fennell's fresh, sometimes provocative style adds a new twist that makes you think.
Mohammed & Paul
Mohammed& Paul – Once upon a time in Tangier shows the relationship between Moroccan storyteller Mohammed Mrabet and American writer Paul Bowles in Tangier in the 1960s. Director Nordin Lasfar weaves together interviews, archive footage, and reflection to create a film that invites viewers to think about stories, culture, and perspective.
