There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what shall we do in November 2025? 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
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
Augusta Curiel: Yere Mi Sten – FOAM (until November 6)
Augusta Curiel (1873-1973) was one of Suriname's first female photographers, who ran a popular photo studio in Paramaribo together with her sister Anna. This exhibition presents an overview of the Curiel sisters' work, which captured the daily activities of people in Suriname. An intimate and unique insight into Surinamese society during the colonial period.
Website & tickets:Tickets
And don't be late for these current exhibitions!
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
Refresh Amsterdam #3 – Amsterdam Museum (t/m 30 november)
Refresh Amsterdam #3 – Imagine the Future in the Amsterdam Museum invites reflection: what does the future look like, and what role can artists and the public play in it? What is special is that not only fifteen contemporary artists — including Raquel van Haver, Minne Kersten, Brigitte Louter, Fiona Lutjenhuis and Frank Ammerlaan — present new work, but the public is also actively involved. In a spacious wing of the Amsterdam Museum, the permanent collection is replaced by experimentation, imagination and collective exploration.
Website & tickets: Tickets
Theater, dance, opera
Prophet Song, Mina Salehpour – Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (November 12–28)
The dystopian book Prophet Song by Irish author Paul Lynch is a dark mix of Orwell's 1984, Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, and the current reality in which we now live. Mina Salehpour, the German-Iranian director who made a name for herself in Germany and Scandinavia, has been invited by artistic director Eline Arbo to turn Prophet Song into a performance. Salehpour is known for her emotional and political performances, and Prophet Song will be no exception. With leading roles for Janni Goslinga, Sanne den Hartogh, Jesse Mensah, and 'Ntianu Stuger, this story will undoubtedly get under your skin and stay there for a long time.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Pride & Prejudice, Theater Oostpool – Frascati Theater (November 11–15)
Actor Florian Myjer makes his directorial debut with Pride & Prejudice . This English classic, based on the book by Jane Austen, is known as a feminist masterpiece, but in Myjer's direction, we also see how the story exposes problematic gender roles, especially now. From a new queer perspective, this performance makes you think, makes you laugh, and may even move you. Highly recommended for people who love classics with a new twist.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Tim Fransen, Onbekommerd (reprise) – De Kleine Komedie (November 20)
Trouw called Onbekommerd "One of the most beautiful cabaret performances of recent years," which is why this magical, successful show is being reprised. Tim Fransen creates philosophical cabaret, writes books and music, and has won several awards for his work in the category of "social engagement." In Onbekommerd , he asks himself whether society has actually benefited from this or whether he should do things differently. No more philosophy, no more moralism, no more social themes. From now on, Tim will try to be carefree ... but will he succeed?
Website & tickets:Tickets
The Maid of Orleans, Dutch National Opera – Dutch National Opera & Ballet (November 12 through December 2)
We all know Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky from his world-famous Swan Lake, but few people are familiar with this rough diamond: Tchaikovsky's opera about Joan of Arc. She is portrayed as the French national heroine, but also as a girl and young woman full of doubts about the life she leads. Dmitri Tcherniakov directs The Maid of Orleans and is known for his modern productions and impressive stage designs. In this piece, he chooses to set the story in a contemporary courtroom, making the piece feel more relevant than ever.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake – Carré (November 1–9)
I just mentioned Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and although I think The Maid of Orleans deserves more attention, Swan Lake is of course an absolute classic that remains incredible, especially in Matthew Bourne’s production. Thirty years ago, he reinterpreted this piece for a sensational premiere with an all-male corps de ballet. It went on to become the most successful dance and theater production of all time, earning both the choreographer and the director a Tony Award. Now this piece is playing at Carré, and it is a must-see for all ballet and Tchaikovsky lovers.
Website & tickets:Tickets
De Wetten, ITA Ensemble – Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (October 9 through November 23)
Based on Connie Palmen's debut novel, De wetten follows young philosophy student Marie in 1980s Amsterdam. She encounters seven men who shape her life and writing as she searches for identity, love, and autonomy. Director Eline Arbo universalizes the story by detaching it from gender and origin, making Marie's quest timeless. Ilke Paddenburg shines as Connie in this theatrical adaptation of her debut novel.
Website & tickets: Tickets
Romeo en Julia, Nationale Ballet – Nationale Opera en Ballet (14 oktober t/m 11 november)
The Dutch National Ballet is bringing Rudi van Dantzig’s iconic Romeo en Julia back to life. The tragic love of the young lovers unfolds against the backdrop of the bitter family feud between Montague and Capulet, where every dance movement is charged with passion and tension. Prokofiev's dramatic music enhances the intensity, while the expressive choreography makes the emotions of the characters clearly palpable. A classic that remains timeless, moves and keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Website & tickets: Tickets
Music
Leah Rye – Paradiso (upper room) (November 7)
Leah Rye broke through to the mainstream at the Wildeburg festival and with airplay on 3FM. With a sound that feels like Bon Iver meets Lana Del Rey, Rye mixes dreamy soundscapes with electronica and pop. On November 7, she will present her new album Room of Disbelief, in which she takes the audience into her own Rye world. One thing is certain: when Rye starts playing, you will find yourself in a hypnotic universe where anything is possible.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Star trio Thibaudet, Batiashvili, and Capuçon: Debussy, Dvorák, and Shostakovich – Het Concertgebouw (November 4)
This trio does not always play together, but for this occasion, these world-renowned musicians are coming together to perform the works of Debussy, Dvorak, and Shostakovich in his early years. The beauty of evenings like this is that we get to witness an encounter and exploration of music, style, and interpretation. When performed by musicians of this caliber, it almost always promises something special. For any classical music lover, this will be an evening to remember.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Festivals
IDFA – various locations (November 13–23)
IDFA is just around the corner. That means special documentaries at various locations throughout the city. Here are three documentaries that I think you should see.
All My Sisters – Mahya and Zahra, two sisters, grow up in Tehran and are filmed by their uncle over a period of eighteen years. In the film, we see how they grow up in a traditional Iranian family and how they slowly become adult women.
32 Meters – In a Turkish village, the independent and tough Halime organizes a shooting competition for women. This initiative meets with a lot of resistance from the predominantly patriarchal community where they live.
December – this film focuses on the political and economic tensions in Argentina in 2001. Using footage from the news at the time, this film paints a poignant picture of the country.
Website & tickets:Tickets
Films in various arthouse cinemas
Films
For the girls
This year's NFF opening film won several Golden Calves, and I can understand why. Mike van Diem directs this thriller-like psychological drama in which we follow two couples who are friends in their shared vacation home in Austria. When their teenage daughters are involved in an accident, tensions between the families run high. Frustrations, irritations, underlying anger, and old wounds resurface. The families are faced with a huge ethical dilemma. Beautifully acted by Fedja van Huêt, Noortje Herlaar, Valentijn Dhaenens, and Thekla Reuten.
One battle after another
In this new film by Paul Thomas Anderson, we follow revolutionary Bob (brilliantly played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who, together with his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti), has gone into hiding in a quiet place. He has traded his revolutionary life for joints and paranoia, but when an old enemy from the past reappears, Bob must dust off his old revolutionary self. A film in which left-wing extremism, white supremacists, and blockbuster cinema collide in a spectacular way.
Rietland
When quiet reed cutter Johan finds the body of a young girl in his reed bed, his peaceful life is turned upside down. In the village, everyone points fingers at each other. The police launch an investigation, but Johan himself cannot sit still. The film is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with the Dutch countryside providing a beautiful backdrop. It is Sven Bresser's directorial debut, and the lead role is the acting debut of 61-year-old reed cutter Gerrit Knobbe. The filmwas called"Cannes hidden gem" at the renowned film festival. Definitely worth watching!
