There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we do in June 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.
The month of June is all about the Holland Festival. This year marks the 78th edition of this groundbreaking performing arts festival. Creators from all over the world come to Amsterdam to showcase their work. There is not only theater to see, but also music, dance, opera, visual arts, film, and much more. Exciting fringe programming also ensures that this year will be another unforgettable edition. My top tip: The Seasons by the National Theater.
Museums and exhibitions
This Art Fair – Fair for new talent. June 5-8.
This Art Fair brings a new voice to the Amsterdam art scene. The fair offers a professional platform to emerging artists who present their work independently or in collaboration with galleries. In Location , the emphasis is on innovation, individuality, and autonomy. For Broersma, this is a logical collaboration: living and art intersect in vision, space, and imagination. During This Art Fair, we will search for work that resonates with the atmosphere of the city—and of living itself.
Tickets
De Nieuwe Vernissage – A bridge between generations. June 28 and 29.
On Saturday, June 28, Broersma Arthouse, together with art coach Cécé Cohen, will open The New Vernissage: a pop-up gallery for young artists (under 25) and an audience over 50. Two generations that inspire and surprise each other. In a special location, work will be shown that has often never been exhibited before.
At a time when art is increasingly being experienced digitally,De Nieuwe Vernissageoffers a tangible alternative: a pop-up gallery that gives young artists from all over the Netherlands a platform and invites the older generation to discover, purchase, and support their work. With fixed price categories—starting at €250, €500, €750, and €1000—the concept is transparent and accessible, without compromising on quality. Broersma supports this initiative because it perfectly aligns with our vision of connection: between generations, between creator and collector, and between art and space.
Free ticket
Amsterdam Eet. A history in dishes – Allard Pierson Museum (until September 7)
For its 750th anniversary, the Allard Pierson Museum is presenting Amsterdam Eet : a delightful exhibition about cooking and eating in Amsterdam. Through cookbooks, archaeological finds, manuscripts, and other sources, you will discover what the people of Amsterdam have eaten throughout history. The exhibition also focuses on the various culinary traditions that the city was, and still is, rich in.
Tickets
Unfinished past: return, keep, or…? – Wereldmuseum Amsterdam (on display from May 9)
Today, the discussion about returning collections to the countries where they originated is becoming increasingly common. Not only politicians, activists, and communities from former European colonies are taking the position that objects should be returned, but museums themselves are also increasingly critical of the objects in their collections. Who do they belong to? And this discussion automatically raises more interesting and complex questions about ownership. The exhibition focuses on an important debate and displays historical objects and contemporary art.
Website & tickets:Tickets
And don't be late for these current exhibitions!
Anselm Kiefer, Sag Mir Wo Die Blumen Sind – Stedelijk Museum (until June 9)
For the first time in their history, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum are joining forces for a major exhibition on Anselm Kiefer. He can safely be called one of the most influential artists of our time. In his magnificent work, he primarily gives a leading role to the power of imagination. He allows the audience to make associations and dream away in what they see in his work. One ticket gives you access to both museums, a unique opportunity!
Website & tickets:www.stedelijk.nl
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
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
Bakermatje, Fien de Smet/Luca Bötzel – Bellevue Lunch Theater (May 28 through June 8)
In Bakermatje, Luca Bötzel attempts to play an unwanted pregnant woman. But as a man, is he allowed and able to tell this story? Or is he appropriating a story that is not his to play? With these interesting questions, Bakermatje presentsapowerful story about our times and the gender-unequal world in which we live. Written by Fien de Smet and performed by Luca Bötzel, both young theater makers who are worth keeping an eye on.
Website & tickets: www.theaterbellevue.nl
Rohtko, Lukasz Twarkowski, Anka Herbut, Dailes Theatre Latvia – International Theater Amsterdam (June 25–28) Holland Festival
Lukasz Twarkowski took one of the biggest scandals in the art world as the subject for his performance. In 2004, a painting by Rothko was purchased from the Knoedler art gallery for $8.3 million. Years later, it turned out to be a fake, copied by a Chinese math teacher from Queens. This raises the question: can so-called 'fake' art also evoke feelings? What is 'real' art worth? Twarkowski plays with the name, because what does ROHTKO with HT in the title say about the 'real' Rothko with TH? Let yourself be carried away by the four-hour video projections, beats, and philosophical questions about the value of real and fake.
Website & tickets:www.hollandfestival.nl
The Seasons, The National Theater, Eric de Vroedt – International Theater Amsterdam (June 27–29) Holland Festival
The Seasons is a theater marathon based on the books Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer by Scottish author Ali Smith (1962). Her seasonal quartet has been praised not only in the United Kingdom but around the world. She denounces major social changes, such as Brexit and rising racism, while also weaving intimate personal stories through these issues. This keeps the book relatable and allows you to view today's world from different personal perspectives. Eric de Vroedt (1972) gives Smith's poetry a platform for seven hours. He previously created the theater marathon The Nation, which won several awards, so The Seasons promises to be something special! Includes two intermissions.
Website & tickets:www.ita.nl
Anton de Kom, mijn Vader (Anton de Kom, my Father), Raymi Sambo Maakt – Theater de Meervaart (June 15)
The performance Anton de Kom, mijn Vader is about the influence of family, and the extent to which you can choose your own family. The main character, Doris, takes you on a journey that begins as a lecture in the theater but slowly but surely turns into a personal story. Doris was adopted from Suriname and is asking more and more questions about her own identity. Who are her Dutch parents, and what does her family in Suriname mean to her if she has never lived there herself? She also comes across the story of Anton de Kom, the Surinamese resistance hero who fought against colonialism. Beautifully performed by Urmie Plein, with music by Walther Muringen and directed by Raymi Sambo.
Website & tickets: www.meervaart.nl
Opera in the park: Boris Godunov, Modest Mussorgsky, the National Opera – Frankendael Park (June 22) Holland Festival
The beloved tradition of the Holland Festival is back: opera in the park. On June 22, you can enjoy (for free!) the opera Boris Godunov on a big screenin Frankendael Park. The opera tells the story of the dark side of power and what happens when people crave too much power. Composed by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky and directed by Kirill Serebrennikov, who offers a sharp, contemporary interpretation of this timeless story.
Website & tickets: Free!
Shane Smith & The Saints – Tolhuistuin (June 6)
This fantastic country, folk, and roadhouse rock & roll band will present their latest album, Norther, on June 6. They are known for performances at fantastic locations such as Yellowstone National Park. Their album Norther has the same electrifying energy we've come to expect from their live performances, but also has room for intimate songs. This will make their performance at Tolhuistuin a wonderful mix of rousing music and small songs that will touch you deeply.
Website & tickets:www.tolhuistuin.nl
Lucinda Williams – Paradiso (June 27)
This three-time Grammy Award winner will be performing at our own pop temple on Friday, June 27. Lucinda Williams was born in Louisiana and became known for her so-called "culturally rich but economically poor" view of society. With her folk, blues, and country rock, she continues to capture hearts around the world. She is currently touring the world with her untitled album.
Website & tickets:www.paradiso.nl
Festival
Bite of Amsterdam – Amstelpark (June 13-15)
Various chefs are guests at this culinary food festival in the Amstelpark, where they will let you taste a variety of dishes and culinary traditions. There are themed areas, each with its own atmosphere and experiences. You can book tickets for an Amuse Tour, where you will eat at eight different pop-up restaurants, or you can join Chef's Table, where you will be treated to high-quality cuisine. There is something for every food fanatic in Amstelpark.
Website & tickets:www.bitesofamsterdam.nl
Films in various arthouse cinemas
Film series about the city of Amsterdam, episode 1 Nieuw West, Steven Bos – Theater van Deyssel (June 6)
Theater van Deyssel is a new mini theater that opened its doors in October 2019 under the wing of Frascati Amsterdam. In this former retail space, Khadija Massaoudi programs and develops productions and gives creators from different professional and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to develop, explore, and showcase their work. One such creator is Steven Bos, filmmaker and artist. He trained at the audiovisual department of the Gerrit Rietveld Academy and the Sandberg Institute. He is now working on a series about Amsterdam in which he wants to highlight all parts of the city. In the episode about Nieuw-West, he attempts to blend fiction with reality and involves local residents in the development of his series.
Good One
Sam (Lily Colias) goes backpacking for a weekend with her father Chris and his best friend Matt. Not only do they take their backpacks with them, but also the emotional baggage of the three. The middle-aged men are mainly preoccupied with their own problems, but in Sam's eyes we also see all kinds of things bubbling up that gradually come to the surface as the film progresses. Beautifully acted by all the actors, with the Catskill Mountains serving as the perfect backdrop.
The Salt Path
Another film about people braving the outdoors, but in a completely different way. Based on the book of the same name by Raynor Winn, this film tells the story of Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) who unexpectedly lose their home and decide to walk the famous South West Coast Path in England. The beautiful nature, the intimate relationship between the two main characters, and the grand topics discussed make this film a new contemporary classic.
