NDSM Wharf: Amsterdam’s thriving Cultural Oasis
A former shipyard located on the banks of the River IJ in Amsterdam Noord, NDSM Wharf has blossomed into an enormous cultural hotspot in recent years with a vibrant artist community and an ever-expanding variety of hip bars and restaurants.
Described as ‘a Cultural institution without a roof’ and grounds that exceed the size of ten football pitches, the area hosts multi-disciplinary festivals, performances, exhibition spaces, dance parties and giant flea markets all housed in unique, post-industrial surroundings.
The once defunct shipyard has undergone a remarkable transformation over recent years emerging as a thriving cultural oasis that captivates both locals and visitors.The sprawling expanse of space, now pulsates with a vibrant energy, fuelled by a flourishing artist community.
A notable highlight is Nieuw Dakota Gallery, a vibrant and experimental art space that explores intriguing and unconventional content with fresh perspectives on traditional exhibition practices. The space thrives to push boundaries and open the mind to new experiences in the world of art. We loved it!
STRAAT
Graffiti and Street Art enthusiasts put down your spray cans and rejoice! Amsterdam now boasts a second museum that pays homage to the vibrant world of street art—and it’s a treat!
Nestled within a colossal warehouse in the former shipbuilding hub of NDSM, STRAAT offers an impressive 86,000 square feet of exhibition space inside. Its exterior is adorned with a vibrant array of murals, including a striking kaleidoscope-like portrait of a radiant Anne Frank by the renowned Brazilian street art maestro Eduardo Kobra.
In contrast to the Moco Museum in the city, which highlights well-known big hitters such as Banksy and Keith Haring, STRAAT delves into the realm of pioneering and budding artists. Its collection boasts over 130 creators from 32 different countries, forming a robust collection of more than 150 artworks. These pieces inhabit the expansive industrial expanse, suspended from steel girders and dispersed across the concrete ground. While loosely categorised into five themes, the true value lies in wandering freely and pausing at whatever artwork captures your attention. So get those camera phones at the ready; its’ an ‘insta’ haven!
It’s location on the outskirts of Amsterdam requires a bit of effort to reach, involving a free 15-minute ferry ride across the IJ River from Centraal Station. However, this also means that you can easily avoid the crowds of tourists typically found in the city centre museums. The majority of visitors to STRAAT are young and clued-up, drawn in by the subject matter and the museum’s location in the vibrant heart of NDSM. While weekends can be busier, the sheer size ensures there’s still plenty of space for your own instagram friendly photographs, and trust us, you can get loads!
Although the museum primarily focuses on its permanent collection, the mezzanine gallery hosts temporary exhibits featuring smaller-scale works by up-and-coming graffiti artists. Make sure not to miss the Panorama Terrace, offering great views of the entire museum from above. It is worth noting that due to the nature of the industrial space, there is no heating, so it is advisable to dress accordingly, especially during colder months.
Despite the museum’s considerable size, the artworks themselves also command substantial space. As a result, you can navigate through the premises comfortably within an hour. However, do remember to allocate time for the 15-minute ferry journey back to Amsterdam Centraal.
Beyond its arty vibes, NDSM Wharf is also home to an impressive array of bars and restaurants that cater to all tastes. From hip, modern eateries to cozy, traditional pubs, the wharf offers an abundance of choice.
We chose to eat lunch at NextNDSM, a cosmopolitan and chic restaurant and cocktail bar. We were a bit partial to the Popcorn Chicken Korean pancakes and Oedipus Gaia beer before burning off the calories mooching around Europes biggest flea-market ‘IJ-Hallen’ a second-hand bargain hunter’s dream. The atmosphere is fun and eclectic with plenty of quirky finds to be had. Its held once a month so be sure to check the website for dates.
GETTING TO NDSM WHARF: AMSTERDAM’S THRIVING CULTURAL OASIS
Take the free GVB Amsterdam ferry from behind Central Station (on the left-hand side) to NDSM-werf. These run approximately 2-4x per hour and the trip takes 15 mins. The last ferry back to Central is at 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where to stay
As part of a cultural tour of the city Fused stayed at the design-focused and vibrant Volkshotel in the hip south area – a great spot if your want to be in the heart of Amsterdam’s creative scene. For more information on creative places and spaces visit Iamsterdam.com.
