There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we do in April 2025? Check out our latest cultural tips here. My name is Annabelle Hinam. I am 26 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.
Broersma, art calendar April 2025
It's almost springtime, which means more outdoor activities. Our city, Amsterdam, is also celebrating its 750th anniversary this year, so I thought it would be fitting to recommend two exhibitions that are all about our city.
Museums and exhibitions
The Birth of the City – Amsterdam City Archives (until July 6)
The Birth of the City beautifully illustrates how Amsterdam became the city we know today. At the City Archives, you can immerse yourself in medieval Amsterdam, a time known for trade, growth, and change. Using old maps, archaeological finds, and historical documents, you can discover how the first Amsterdammers lived, worked, and built their city. A fascinating exhibition that shows how a settlement on the water grew into a bustling trading center.
Website & tickets:www.amsterdam.nl
Miracle of Amsterdam – Our Lord in the Attic (until September 7)
In 1345, a miracle is said to have taken place in Amsterdam that changed the city forever. The Miracle of Amsterdam exhibition at the Our Lord in the Attic museum tells the story of this mysterious event and its impact on the city. Through art, historical objects, and documents, you will discover how the miracle made Amsterdam an important pilgrimage destination. A fascinating exhibition about faith, devotion, and the traces that the past has left behind in today's Amsterdam.
Website & tickets:www.opsolder.nl
And don't be late for these current exhibitions!
American Photography at the Rijksmuseum (until June 9)
From February 7 to June 9, 2025, the Rijksmuseum will present the first major exhibition on American photography in Europe. With more than 200 works, this exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of the development of American photography from the 19th century to the present day. A unique opportunity to admire iconic images and rare photographs that capture the rich history and culture of the United States.
Website & tickets:www.rijksmuseum.nl
Formafantasma, Oltre Terra – The Stedelijk Museum (February 15 to July 13)
The Oltre Terra exhibition is a study by design studio Formafantasma. Wool is the central theme here. With Oltre Terra , the design studio reveals the history and ecology behind the fabric, as well as how the global dynamics of production work. Formafantasma is known for its broader ecological perspective and effectively illustrates the complexity of the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment.
Website & tickets:www.stedelijk.nl
The worker's paradise: garden villages and garden cities – Museum Het Schip (until July 27, 2025)
At the end of the nineteenth century, the garden city concept emerged: a form of public housing and urban development that originated in England. It was a dream for workers, an escape from the slums and shacks in which many lived. The garden city concept offered a beautiful and healthy living environment with lots of greenery. Ebenezer Howard, an English social reformer, played an important role in this development. Because the current debate also revolves around sustainable living and healthier lifestyles, this exhibition is very relevant to today's issues. Informative and inspiring!
Website & tickets:www.hetschip.nl
Theater, dance, opera
Schuldig kind (Guilty Child), the National Theater, Belle van Heerikhuizen – Frascati Theater (March 27 to April 5 )
Schuldig kind is an intense performance that focuses on the themes of sexual development and abuse, based on the work of Ted van Lieshout. The performance takes you on a raw and honest journey. The personal stories influence the future of the main characters. The play invites the audience to think about social change. Belle van Heerikhuizen is one of the most interesting young directors of our time. In addition, the cast is bursting with talent, so it is definitely recommended.
Website and tickets:www.frascatitheater.nl
Against the Law, Bo Tarenskeen – Frascati (April 8 to April 12)
In Against the Law, we see Hans Dagelet as Carl Schmitt, a brilliant legal scholar who helped abolish German democracy in 1933 through legal means. In Bo Tarenskeen's play, Schmitt is interviewed by an activist human rights lawyer. Schmitt is now older and has been banned from practicing law since 1945. This conversation is his last chance to salvage his image somewhat, justify his motives at the time, and explain his ideas about sovereignty, identity, and authority. But how he legitimizes this, and whether it is credible enough that a brilliant philosopher like him joined the Nazis, is the central question in this interesting philosophical piece.
Website & tickets:www.frascatitheater.nl
The Death of Benny Simons, Orkater/Shady El-Hamus – Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (April 3 and 4)
Shady El-Hamus, known as a film director, makes his theater debut, and how. In collaboration with Orkater, he created The Death of Benny Simons, which intertwines the present and past of Benny Simons. With modern jazz and soulful hip hop, this is musical theater as you want it to be. Not only is the soundtrack virtuosic, but the acting is also of a high standard. Reason enough to go to ITA on April 3 or 4, because this is one that will stay with you for a long time.
Website & tickets:www.ita.nl
Schau, Rundfunk – DeLaMar Theater (April 16-19)
The absurd yet everyday sketches that follow each other in rapid succession make Schau an impressive whole that never bores. The large amount of hilarious texts that the talented men throw at the audience are hilarious, clever, and sharp. We already knew that the men of Rundfunk were capable of a lot, but with Schau, they surpass themselves once again.
Website & tickets:www.delamar.nl
Dido and Aeneas in concert, Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Henry Purcell – Dutch National Opera & Ballet (April 25 to May 6)
Attention lovers of baroque music and dramatic passion. The Dutch National Opera & Ballet, in collaboration with Opera Zuid and the Dutch Traveling Opera, presents Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas in concert form. This well-known, compelling masterpiece about love, betrayal, and tragedy sounds beautiful under the baton of conductor Francesco Corti. The cast also brings the emotions to life. In addition to pure musicality, you will be transported to another world, that of the mythical Queen Dido and her beloved Aeneas.
Website & tickets: www.operabalet.nl
The Empress, Amsterdam Poet’s Theater/Shakespeare is Dead – De Brakke Grond (April 6)
On April 6, Amsterdam Poet’s Theater and Shakespeare is Dead will present a special performance at De Brakke Grond: The Empress. Based on Margaret Cavendish’s 1666 novel The Blazing World, it tells the story of a woman who proclaims herself empress of a new world. A mix of poetry, philosophy, and humor, with a fresh take on power and imagination. A performance by two top actors that stimulates and invites you to look at the world differently.
Website & tickets:www.brakkegrond.nl
Music
In Higher Spheres, Bach, Sufi & Pärt, Netherlands Wind Ensemble – Paradiso (April 18)
On April 18, the Netherlands Wind Ensemble will take Paradiso on a special musical journey with In Higher Spheres. The program features an encounter between Bach, Sufi music, and the meditative sounds of Arvo Pärt. The Western and Eastern worlds are brought together in a program that revolves around stillness and ecstasy. A special evening full of surprises.
Website & tickets: www.paradiso.nl
St. Matthew Passion, Orchestra and Choir of the Age of Enlightenment – The Concertgebouw (April 8)
It's April, which means Easter is almost here and the St. Matthew Passion is back on the program. Naturally, the Concertgebouw has a wonderful performance lined up. On April 8, the St. Matthew Passion will be performed by the Orchestra and Choir of the Age of Enlightenment. This leading ensemble, known for its original playing style, brings Bach's masterpiece to life with the beautiful sounds of a talented orchestra.
Website & tickets:www.concertgebouw.nl
Festival
April Festivities – Nieuwmarkt (April 16-22)
April also means it's time for Amsterdam's most enjoyable festival. The April Festivities feel like a neighborhood party that has gotten out of hand, where fun young bands alternate with more established musicians. In addition to being a musical celebration, it is also a delicious food and drink festival, where specialty beers, fine wines, and tasty bites are served. Pull up a seat at one of the long picnic tables or even take a ride on the swing carousel. Between April 16 and 22, a visit to the Nieuwmarkt is a must.
Website & tickets: https://www.aprilfeesten.nl/2025
Films in various arthouse cinemas
I’m Still Here
In this moving film, directed by Walter Salles, we follow the true story of Marcelo Rubens Paiva. In his memoirs, he writes about the disappearance of his father during the Brazilian military dictatorship in the 1970s. These memoirs were the inspiration for this film. The result is a unique, intense, and beautiful film that vividly depicts the harsh reality of that time. For Salles, it is the first time in 16 years that he has made a film in his home country of Brazil.
September Says
In SeptemberSays, we follow the nasty relationship between sisters September and July. What September says happens, and this is beautifully portrayed in the directorial debut of Ariane Labed, previously seen as an actor in Yorgos Lanthimos' The Lobster, among others. The film is full of discomfort and madness and is exceptionally quirky and original. A debut that leaves you wanting more.
An Unfinished Film
In 2020, director Xiaorui finally wants to make afilm that has been on the shelf for ten years. But then a virus that has the whole world in its grip throws a spanner in the works. Lockdown comes and once again the film cannot be completed. How will Xiarui deal with this? The film is a fascinating story that, five years after lockdown, really makes you think.
