There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what shall we do in February 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 February 2025
Museums and exhibitions
Golden Years, Paul Huf – FOAM (until February 2)
Paul Huf was known in the 1950s for his innovative use of color and was one of the leading photographers of his time. He had an enormous influence in both the advertising and fashion worlds. He created almost theatrical photographs that were aesthetically of a high standard. The exhibition is only on display for two days in February, but I still thought it was worth mentioning. Hurry to FOAM on the first two days of February, because this is something you really shouldn't miss.
Website & tickets:www.foam.org
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
And don't be late for these ongoing exhibitions!
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
Shadow Self, Portal to a Parallel World – Huis Marseille (until February 9)
This exhibition offers an introspective look at the duality of our existence, with work by Shuang Li (1990), Charmaine Poh (1990), Heesoo Kwon (1990), Xiaopeng Yuan (1987), Diane Severin Nguyen (1990), and others. "Where does an image begin and where does it end?" InShadow Self, five artistsexplorethis essential question from a personal perspective that explores the dividing line between ourselves and a possible parallel reality.
Website & tickets:www.huisvanmarseille.nl
Theater, dance, opera
Die ersten Menschen, Rudi Stephan – National Opera (January 22 to February 2)
This opera tells the story of the first two humans on earth, Adam and Eve, and their sons Cain and Abel. The biblical story revolves around love, jealousy, and murder. During the pandemic, we saw some of Rudi Stephan's work, but now he returns with this spectacular interpretation of an ancient story.
Website & tickets:www.operaballet.nl
A beauteous evening, calm and free, De Warme Winkel – Theater Frascati (March 11-22)
William and Dorothy Wordsworth, the poet brother and sister from the English Romantic period, are the focus of the new play by theater group De Warme Winkel. In the Wordsworths' work, texts were written while walking, and they ensured that 'walking' became a cultural activity in its own right, as we still know it today. In addition, nature plays a major role in the works of William and Dorothy. Now De Warme Winkel is taking on this work. A play full of climate escapism, De Warme Winkel-esque tricks, and, of course, a sharp climate debate.
Website & tickets:www.frascatitheater.nl
Sketches and Traces, Maatschappij Discordia – Theater Frascati (February 11-15)
Maatschappij Discordia returns after the success of De Weiblicher Akt speelt de ander (v.). In their new performance Sketches and Traces , they ask themselves the following questions: what did we perform? Was it The Blue Bird, The Cherry Orchard, or something by Bernhard? One thing is certain in Discordia's work: nothing is certain, and everything will be questioned. A theatrical evening full of philosophy and beautiful acting that will linger in your mind long after you leave the theater.
Website & tickets:www.frascatitheater.nl
POPpulism, Het Filiaal – De Meervaart (February 19)
Although POPpulism is advertised on the website as a children's show, don't be fooled. Het Filiaal continues to impress on multiple levels with their puppet theater. It is loosely based on the book The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil by George Saunders and, as the title suggests, is about manipulation and populism. The absurd text was written by Eva Gouda and the play is performed by four actors. Live percussion and singing are also used. In 2022-2023, POPpulisme won the Gouden Krekel award for most impressive youth theater production. Now the performance is back at the Meervaart for one night only. I would go while you still can!
Website & tickets:www.meervaart.nl
Idomeneo, re di Creta, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui – Dutch National Opera and Ballet (February 7–23)
Mozart's masterpiece Idomeneo centers on a fateful dilemma. King Idomeo is torn between his love for his son and his promise to the god Neptune. During a fatal storm, he promised that he would kill the first person he encountered, but that person turns out to be his son Idamante. Choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is a huge name in the international dance and opera world. He has worked with Beyoncé and Madonna, among others. In Idomeneo, he collaborates with dancers from his own company, Eastman. They perform in a set designed by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota. Ropes are central to her work, and they also play a leading role in Idomeneo . The entanglement of the ropes symbolizes the great dilemmas faced by the characters and dancers.
Website & tickets:www.operaballet.nl
Typhoon, Kristztina de Châtel / Introdans – Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (February 22 and 23)
Simeon ten Holt's world-famous Canto Ostinato accompanies the dancers in this magnificent minimalist Typhoon by choreographer Krisztina De Châtel. The dancers of Introdans reprise this monumental piece and De Châtel once again demonstrates her choreographic prowess. In Typhoon , Krizstina de Châtel also collaborates with visual artist Peter Vermeulen, whose central theme is the conversion of energy into moving and sound-producing images. For this performance, he designed wind machines that the dancers have to dance against.
Website & tickets:www.ita.nl
Music
HESTER + Fabienne Julie + GRIT + DJ Dirk Diggler – De Nieuwe Anita (February 1)
Three artists will perform on February 1 at De Nieuwe Anita in Amsterdam-West. The four-piece band HESTER is not only extremely honest, but also someone who lets her imagination run wild. Expect beautiful alternative indie rock ballads that almost feel like wonderful paintings. Fabienne Julie is a folk-pop singer who draws on her own life experiences. She grows from small, vulnerable songs to bombastic, grand music, taking her listeners with her and giving them a little bit of hope. GRIT is a trio that describes itself as a sound that leans in close, whispers something true, then leaves you standing there, staring at what you've been trying to ignore. The evening ends with DJ Dirk Diggler spinning everything from hip hop and funk to rock 'n' roll and dancehall. Something for everyone!
Website & tickets:www.denieuweanita.nl
Beethoven & Schönberg, Belcea Quartet – Het Muziekgebouw (February 8)
Beethoven's magnificent String Quartet No. 14 in C minor, Op. 131, will be performed this evening by the masterful Belcea Quartet. They combine the old Beethoven with the more modern young Arnold Schönberg. After hearing it performed, Schubert said: 'What else is there left for us to write?' I think that says it all. This combination of Belcea, Beethoven, and Schubert is sure to make for a spectacular evening of music.
Website & tickets:www.muziekgebouw.nl
Festival
Plants and Vintage Market – De Loods (February 1 and 2)
During the first weekend of February, plant and vintage enthusiasts can consider themselves fortunate at De Loods in Amsterdam Southwest. And it promises to be a good deal because their website states: If you can prove on the day itself that a plant is offered cheaper elsewhere, you can take the plant home for the lowest price. They do ask that you reserve a walk-in time slot in advance, after which you can stay as long as you like.
Website & tickets:www.detuinenvan.nl
Films in various arthouse cinemas
A Real Pain
Cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a road trip through Poland in honor of their grandmother. As they learn more about their family history on this journey, they are also confronted with old quarrels. The dynamic between the cousins is brilliantly portrayed by Eisenberg and Culkin. Impressive, because Eisenberg also directed the film himself.
When the Light Breaks
In this Icelandic coming-of-age story, Uma is confronted with love and grief. A dramatic event forces her to grow up quickly. Set against the backdrop of Iceland's beautiful nature, this story is skillfully told by director Rúnar Rúnarsson and beautifully acted by Elín Hall.
Queer
It is said that this may well be Daniel Craig's best performance ever. In Queer , he plays Lee, an American addicted to alcohol and desire, who spends all his time in the bars of Mexico City. Then he meets the young ex-soldier Allerton (played by Drew Starkey), and Allerton's arrival gives Lee the courage to dream of a different life. Director Luca Guadagnino (known for Call Me by Your Name) has once again succeeded in adapting a beautiful book (this time William Burrough's Queer) into a high-quality cinematic work of art.
