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.
Museums and exhibitions
Diana Markosian, Father – FOAM Amsterdam (until May 28)
In Father , we follow Markosian on her journey to reconnect with her estranged father. We accompany her on her quest through images, family photos, and film clips. When Markosian was seven, she moved from Moscow to California without being able to say goodbye to her father. Decades later, she travels back to search for him. Her work is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature; she mixes art styles, giving her a recognizable signature.
Website & tickets:www.foam.nl
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
And don't be late for these current 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 Using old maps, archaeological finds, and historical documents, you can discover how the first Amsterdammers lived, worked, and built their city.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
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
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
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
Duizend Dochters (A Thousand Daughters), Theater Na de Dam Productions – Carré Amsterdam (May 4)
In Duizend Dochters , Mariana Aparicio (winner of the Theo d'Or 2023) performs the text by Melissa Knollenburg. The play focuses on the lessons we learn from the past. Theater Na de Dam believes it is important to show children's perspectives, and they certainly do so by programming this youth and family performance at Carré, one of Amsterdam's most famous venues.
Website & tickets: www.carre.nl
Tamghart, Nora Akachar – Theater de Meervaart (May 10)
Tamghart means "a powerful woman and a half" in Tamazight (Berber). In this play, Nora Akachar tells stories about her mother and grandmother. In this comical, sincere performance, Nora searches for the tamghart within herself. As a daughter who does not speak Tamazight, can she become one? How far does culture reach, or is culture something that is within you anyway? In this personal performance, we travel with Nora and all the iconic figures she brings to life through Tamghart .
Website & tickets: www.meervaart.nl
Queen of Disco, RIGHTABOUTNOW.INC – Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (May 24 and 25)
The successful show Queen of Disco is returning for an encore. And rightly so. With the 2023 Theater Writing Award under its belt and many sold-out performances, it's no wonder this festive show is back on tour. In this musical theater performance, we follow the amazing, flamboyant LGBTQ activist Sylvester. We see his rise and also his—unfortunately—tragic downfall. In addition, we get a spectacular theatrical history lesson about disco, how it emerged in the 1970s in New York's black and Latino gay club circuit. A performance not to be missed.
Website & tickets:www.ita.nl
Music
Enji – Bimhuis (May 24)
Her breakthrough album Ulaan immediately put Enji on the map in vocal jazz. And it wasn't just her voice that was put on the map, but also her homeland Mongolia, which she sings about and which makes her sound unique. The Mongolian language is not one you hear every day, which makes listening to Enji all the more beautiful. Last year she performed at North Sea Jazz, and now she will be on the intimate stage of the Bimhuis with her regular guitarist Paul Brändle and double bassist River Adomeit. Mojo Magazine called her the Mongolian Ella Fitzgerald , which is quite a promise!
Website & tickets:www.bimhuis.nl
The Wellermen – Bitterzoet (May 6)
In early 2021, the Sea Shanty trend took social media by storm . This hype went viral, with people singing Sea Shanties together , including The Wellerman. They had only met once in real life, but after the release of this TikTok video, they were invited to various events and television programs around the world. In addition to making beautiful music together, they also raise money for the Marine Conservation Society to give something back to the sea. Now they are at Bitterzoet with their new second album, which is well worth checking out.
Website & tickets:www.paradiso.nl
Festival
Rollende Keukens, Westergasterrein (May 28 through Sunday, June 1)
This lively food festival will once again be held at the Westergasterrein from May 28 through Sunday, June 1, featuring more than 80 food trucks. Now in its 17th edition, every year it's a treat to try out all the different food and drink stalls and pull up a chair at one of the fun picnic tables. After dinner, there is always room for a dance to the lively live music of up-and-coming artists or bands that regularly perform at Rollende Keukens. One thing is certain: during Ascension weekend, you can travel around the world in four days at the Westergasterrein!
Website & tickets:www,rollendekeukens.nl
Films in various arthouse cinemas
The Other Way Around
Ale and Alex break up after almost fifteen years together. Location a wedding Location , they throw a break-up party, the other way around, so to speak . Their friends and family are skeptical and wonder whether the couple is really sure they want to split up. They say they are completely committed to the idea, but as the film progresses, the question of whether they are really sure becomes increasingly apparent. The film is set in Madrid and directed by Jonás Trueba.
Black Dog
Eddie Peng plays Lang, a former stunt motorcyclist, in Black Dog. In the film, he returns to his hometown, which lies on the edge of the Gobi Desert. Lang has had a difficult time; he has just been released from prison, and now that he is living with his father again, he must beware of enemies from his past. Fortunately, he also forms an unexpected friendship with a black stray dog.
Three Days of Fish
Ton Kas, Guido Pollemans, and Line Pillet play the leading roles in this black-and-white film. Gerrie, from Rotterdam, has been living in the Algarve for some time, but sometimes returns to the Netherlands. When he does, he has to listen to the stories and problems of his son Dick, which he would rather not hear. Dick feels differently and really hopes to have good conversations with his father. Beautiful images, dryly comical dialogues, and natural acting paint a wonderful portrait of male vulnerability. This film could well become a new classic.
