There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we do in September 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
The Hidden Camera – FOAM (until October 2)
This exhibition features work by photographers who captured Amsterdam during the hunger winter of 1944-45. Because the Netherlands was occupied by the Germans at the time, they sometimes had to work unseen, hence the title The Hidden Camera. As Amsterdam is celebrating its 750th anniversary this year and 80 years of liberation, FOAM felt this was a good reason to showcase these photographers. This group contributed to the image of the Second World War. They were often recruited by members of the resistance with the intention of informing the Dutch government in London. A powerful, impressive exhibition that makes a big impression.
Website & tickets:www.foam.org
IN SITU #1, Nora Turato: I HEAR YOU, I HEAR YOU – Stedelijk Museum (ongoing)
The mezzanine floor of the New build features a gigantic 'interstitial space'. The Stedelijk has now commissioned a group of young artists to experiment in this space. Nora Turato is the first artist to kick off IN SITU . Her work features video and sound installations that explore our relationship with language.
Website & tickets:www.stedelijk.nl
And don't be late for these current exhibitions!
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
Crossings – The Rijksmuseum (July 4 to October 12)
Crossings unites colonial and contemporary perspectives through photography from the Indian subcontinent. The exhibition explores the intersection of past and present, juxtaposing 19th-century British colonial photography with contemporary works by French-Sri Lankan artist Vasantha Yogananthan. The Rijksmuseum's collection includes over twelve hundred 19th-century photographs from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. While these photographs were often commissioned, Yogananthan sought his own background in these regions.
Website & tickets: www.rijksmuseum.nl
Memento, fotografie, onderbroken – Huis Marseille (t/m 12 oktober)
Not only does the city of Amsterdam have a birthday to celebrate this year, but Huis Marseille is also celebrating a birthday in 2025, its 25th. From June 28 to October 12, the exhibition Memento. Photography interrupted will therefore be on display, which can be admired in both buildings of the museum. Huis Marseille is exhibiting more than a hundred contemporary photographic masterpieces, taking you on a wonderful journey through time. Huis Marseille was the first photography museum in Amsterdam and therefore owns a number of leading works by, among others, Thomas Struth, Andres Serrano, Viviane Sassen and many more. Worth a visit!
Website & tickets: www.huismarseille.nl
Miracle of Amsterdam – Our Lord in the Attic (until September 7)
In 1345, a miracle is said to have occurred 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 city. A fascinating exhibition about faith, devotion, and the traces that the past has left behind in today's Amsterdam.
Website & tickets:www.opsolder.nl
Amsterdam Eet. A history in dishes – Allard Pierson Museum (until September 7)
To mark its 750th anniversary, the Allard Pierson Museum is presenting Amsterdam Eet : a delicious 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, there is increasing discussion about returning collections to the countries from which they originate. Not only politicians, activists, and communities from former European colonies are taking the position that objects should be returned, but museums themselves are also becoming 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
Theater, dance, opera
Hamlet, Theater Rotterdam – DeLaMar Theater (September 6 and 7)
On September 6 and 7, Theater Rotterdam's Hamlet returns to Amsterdam due to its success, at the DeLaMar Theater. Director Erik Whien adapted Shakespeare's classic into a poignant family drama about grief, betrayal, and unresolved pain. Jacob and Roman Derwig play Hamlet and his father, adding extra depth to the performance. With powerful images, sharp dialogue, fantastic acting, and minimalist decor, this is a modern translation of the famous play.
Website & tickets:www.delamar.nl
Wittgenstein 2. It's not the language, Bo Tarenskeen – Theater Bellevue (September 17 to October 12)
In this performance, Bo Tarenskeen explores in a humorous and incisive way how difficult language can be. Against the backdrop of rising Nazism in Munich, philosophers from the Vienna Circle try to clarify everything in words. With four actors, including Tarenskeen himself, you see how the search for truth often clashes with reality. In addition, this performance also shows interesting historical events, which in turn provide new perspectives on the present.
Website & tickets:www.theaterbellevue.nl
Hardkoor, Naomi Velissariou, Theater Utrecht, Nederlands Kamerkoor – De Meervaart (September 8 and 9)
Naomi Velissariou will be performing at De Meervaart with Hardkoor, a stand-up tragedy concert in which she explores her personal struggle with burnout and social pressure. With techno, trip hop, and choral music (performed by the Netherlands Chamber Choir and drummer Jens Bouttery), she creates a mesmerizing experience. A visual and auditory experience that will stay with you for a long time.
Website & tickets:www.meervaart.nl
Tosca, Giacomo Puccini – Dutch National Opera (September 3–25)
From September 3 to 25, Dutch National Opera will perform Puccini's Tosca, a story full of love, power, and betrayal. Floria Tosca becomes entangled in a deadly game when her lover is captured by the sadistic Scarpia. Under the baton of Nathalie Stutzmann, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra brings Puccini's compelling music to life. Barrie Kosky's direction and the impressive set design reinforce the tension and make the opera a beautiful whole.
Website & tickets:www.operaballet.nl
Music
Mychelle – Melkweg (September 17)
Mychelle will be performing at the Melkweg on September 17. The young Amsterdam singer-songwriter made a name for herself with her warm voice and intimate songs that effortlessly blend soul and pop. Live, she knows how to draw her audience in, creating a unique atmosphere in a personal way. The Melkweg offers the perfect opportunity to experience her music in an intimate setting, right in the heart of her own city.
Website & tickets:www.melkweg.nl
Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 and Brahms' Symphony No. 1 – Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Concertgebouw (September 20)
In September, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 (also known as the Emperor Concerto ) and Brahms' First Symphony at the Concertgebouw. These two works beautifully illustrate the transition from classical to romantic music: Beethoven with his grand dialogue between soloist and orchestra, Brahms with a symphony that begins modestly and culminates in a powerful finale. A program that is both tranquil and energizing, performed in one of the city's most characterful venues.
Website & tickets:www.concertgebouw.nl
Festivals
Japan & Korea Food Festival – Museumplein (September 12, 13, and 14)
The Japan & Korea Food Festival has been around for some time in other major cities, but now, in 2025, this multifaceted festival is coming to Amsterdam for the first time. Expect a Museumplein filled with sushi, ramen, gyoza, bubble tea, Japanese live acts, karaoke, sake bars, and K-pop. A festival for true Japan and Korea enthusiasts. Admission is free!
Website & tickets:www.allevents.in
Films in various arthouse cinemas
Eyes of Gaza (Filmhuis Cavia, September 11 + Q&A)
On September 11, Filmhuis Cavia will screen the documentary Eyes of Gaza, followed by a Q&A with director Mahmoud Atassi. The film provides a poignant and personal view of daily life in Gaza, beyond the statistics and news reports. This is a rare opportunity to hear the story Immediately the filmmaker and to discuss the reality behind the images.
Manas
In Manas, we follow 13-year-old Tielle on the Brazilian island of Marajó, where she grows up in a community with strict traditions and rules. As she searches for her own path, the images and story show what it's like to grow up between expectations and personal dreams. A tranquil, beautifully filmed portrait of courage, resistance, and discovering your own voice. An impressive feature film debut by Marianna Brennand.
10 giorni con i suoi (10 Days with Her Parents)
In this film, we follow the family of 18-year-old Camilla. She goes to study in Puglia and lives there with her boyfriend Antonio. Her family travels to Antonio's parents' spacious country house in the summer. A good film full of miscommunication, tensions, and family dynamics.
