Featured Events in Amsterdam in May, 2025 (June Updated)

Widely regarded as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) has left an indelible mark on the art world with his innovative approach to sculpture. He made his modernist work using a variety of materials, including stone, marble, bronze, steel and ceramic. Isamu Noguchi also designed lamps, gardens, playground equipment and radios. The exhibition in the gardens comprises stone and bronze sculptures. Additionally, a ‘cloud’ of his washi paper Akari lamps will be hanging in the Atrium, and a chess table and selection of the artist’s sculptural ceramics will also be on display inside the museum.

Ezequiel Pini also known as Six N. Five, is an award-winning Argentinian designer based in Barcelona. Over the last few years, Pini has pioneered the use of 3D and different media to create imaginary, dreamlike worlds with his signature clean, modern aesthetic, making Six N. Five one of the most recognized digital creative practices.

Andrés Reisinger is one of the most sought-after visual artists and designers of the 21st Century. He has conquered a unique position in contemporary culture, occupying and defining the fertile space between the digital and physical spheres. Originally from Argentina and currently residing in Spain between Madrid and Barcelona, where his studios are based, Reisinger bridges realms with an instantly recognisable aesthetic that conveys a mesmerisingly clear vision.

The Dutch museum Nxt Museum opened five years ago in the industrial area of ​​Amsterdam's northern port area. It has attracted many new media art enthusiasts by rotating large-scale cutting-edge exhibitions. The current exhibition is "Still Processing", curated by Belgrade-born curator and artist Bogomir Doringer, which aims to explore the dynamic relationship between humans and machines and study how data shapes meaning and changes sensory experience in the digital age. The exhibition lasts until October 5.

The Suit Yourself display reveals how fashionable men in the 18th and 19th centuries would flaunt themselves dressed in flamboyant striped velvet, floral embroidery and rich silk fabrics. This use of vibrant colours and contrasting textiles flourished during the ‘macaroni’ period from 1750 to 1770. The style evolved in the 19th century with industrialisation, which increased the availability of fabrics and ready-to-wear garments. A highlight of the display is the evening coat decorated with 4,000 rhinestones that would have sparkled in the candlelight with every movement.

On 1 July 1863, the Netherlands abolished slavery in Suriname on paper. In reality, the ‘freed’ in Suriname are obliged to continue working on the plantations for another ten years. In order to compensate for the shortage of labor after this period, the Netherlands starts recruiting so-called ‘contract workers’. These people are often recruited with false promises in China, India and Indonesia, among others. Sometimes they leave their country of their own accord, sometimes they are forced or abducted. They hardly get any wages and work under horrible conditions on the plantations. Very few people had the opportunity to return. Many stayed in Suriname and never saw their homeland again. Artist and researcher Sarojini Lewis came across the person of Soerdie in the archives of the Royal Library in The Hague: the first female ‘contract worker’ who was shipped from India via Barbados to Suriname. Based on books, letters and travel reports from that time, Lewis imagines what the life of Surdie might have looked like. Sarojini Lewis hides in the skin of Surdie. Her self-portraits at historical locations respond to the energy present on the abandoned plantations in Suriname and archival material she has previously discovered. She uses Critical Fabulation: a creative reconstruction of Surdie’s life, based on the few transmitted data from archives. She connects the story of this woman with the history of her own Hindustani ancestors who worked in the same area in Commewijne. In the exhibition, Sarojini Lewis speaks. In a series of Atlantic Windows, contemporary artists reflect on the exhibition Shadows on the Atlantic Ocean and the impact of the colonial past in this area. The windows were performed by Kevin Osepa and Sites of Memory: Decoding the Atlantic World. Atlantic Window III: Sarojini Lewis - Silence of the Sea: A trail of Surdie can be seen from 31 March to 1 October.

In 2025, wewillcelebrate the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam. In the summer exhibition, you will see the city through Rembrandt’s eyes. He lived most of his life in Amsterdam and often captured the city and its residents in his prints. He made portraits ofAmsterdammersandobservedeverydaylife in the city. From street vendors to the city council – Amsterdam comes alive innearly 50etchings by Rembrandt from the Rembrandt House Museum collection.

Now on display at Moco Amsterdam, Frankey’s art takes center stage in the exhibition "Planet Positive Disruption," a vibrant showcase of humor, lightheartedness, and the transformative power of creative disruption. This collaboration reflects Moco’s dedication to elevating street art as a dynamic form of artistic expression, while championing the creativity rooted in the museum’s very own city.

Oltre Terra, Formafantasma’s ongoing project and traveling exhibition, explores the history, ecology, and global dynamics of wool extraction and production. It goes further than the simple definition of wool as material, to look at it within a much broader ecology. Wool is the entry point for delving into the intricate interactions and interdependencies within an ecosystem. By looking at the history of sheep domestication, wool production, and material culture, Oltre Terra unravels the complexities of the cooperative symbiosis between animals, humans, and the environment. The exhibition explores this very intimate, yet complex, bond between humans and animals, emphasizing the impact they have on one another.

Artist Pamela Rosenkranz presents her first exhibition in the Netherlands at the Stedelijk Museum. Rosenkranz is internationally acclaimed for her immersive works that reflect on the relationship between the body, its physiology and rapidly changing environment. In Rosenkranz’s work, this environment is marked by advanced technology, late capitalism, and human-machine relations. Her work often consists of installations and readymade sculptures that frequently reference famous artworks or everyday objects such as Amazon packaging and water bottles. Rosenkranz was a resident of the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten from 2010 to 2012. She has presented solo exhibitions at institutions such as Centre d’Art Contemporain, Geneva (2010), Kunsthalle Basel (2012), Swiss Pavilion, Venice Biennale (2015), K21 Düsseldorf (2017), and Kunsthaus Bregenz (2021). In 2023, she unveiled a major public sculpture on New York’s High Line.

Korean artist Kimsooja gained international fame with poetic installations about migration, uprooting, longing for a home and identity. Especially for the Oude Kerk she made her most extensive series of bottari: iconic textile bundles inspired by Korean wraps, filled with clothing from Amsterdam communities. She also covered the 44,000 panes of the meter-high windows with transparent foil that breaks sunlight into rainbow colors. To Breathe – Mokum offers a meditative experience about coming home and what we take with us or leave behind. Invite someone to join you

Billie Eilish Amsterdam is set to be an unforgettable evening at the renowned ZiggoDome in Amsterdam. On May 6, 2025, at 20:00, fans will gather to experience the unparalleled talent of Billie Eilish, whose haunting vocals and captivating stage presence have taken the music world by storm. With tickets priced at 434 USD, this event promises an exclusive and intimate atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate the artistry and depth of Eilish's music. The ZiggoDome, known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and impressive architecture, provides the ideal backdrop for what is sure to be a mesmerizing performance. Attendees can expect a night filled with powerful performances of both chart-topping hits and deep cuts from Eilish's discography, all delivered with the emotional intensity that has become her trademark. This highly anticipated event, Billie Eilish Amsterdam, is not to be missed by any music enthusiast looking to witness a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.

Get ready, music lovers around the world! Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish, known for chart-topping hits like “bad guy”, “lovely”, “when the party’s over”, and “Happier Than Ever”, is bringing her new world tour “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” to Europe. From May 4 to May 7, 2025, Billie will take the stage at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands, delivering an unforgettable live experience. This highly anticipated concert will feature Billie’s signature electronic sound fused with immersive visuals and lighting that create a raw and emotional journey for fans. If you’ve ever been captivated by Billie’s haunting vocals and atmospheric performances, this is your moment. Don’t miss one of the most talked-about concerts of 2025 in one of Europe’s most iconic venues.

For the first time in their history, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam are joining forces to stage a major exhibition of one of the most important artists of our time: Anselm Kiefer.

Rijksmuseum moves you to The American Dream. To the real American. To unexpected recognition. The Rijksmuseum is staging the Netherlands’ first major survey exhibition of American photography.

We weten niet hoe het met jou zit, maar voor ons is het veel te lang geleden dat we hebben gedanst! En daarom hebben we besloten om een superleuke avond te organiseren waarop we met de redactie van Saar, Barbara, Femke, Gijsje, en al onze leuke, lieve, maffe redacteuren, abonnees, podcastfans en volgers, gewoon een avond lekker gaan dansen en kletsen. In een mooie club. Met heerlijke drankjes en hapjes. En met de beste DJ ooit: geen keiharde gabber, maar ook geen oude meuk. Precies wat wij leuke, frisse, jonge 50+ers fijn vinden. Kom je? Information Source: Barbara van Erp | eventbrite

🔥 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AMSTERDAM! 🔥 Club Noir Amsterdam presents Shallipopi LIVE! 🚀🎤 Don’t miss the Nigerian superstar bringing the heat to Amsterdam for the very first time! 📅 Date: Friday, May 30 📍 Venue: H7 Warehouse, Amsterdam ⏰ Doors Open: 22:00 Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, vibes, and energy! 🎶✨ 🎟 Limited Tickets !!Grab your tickets NOW 📲 Table Reservations (WhatsApp): 0616705072 Information Source: Club Noir | eventbrite

Pop-up Ping Pong Party & Tournament🏓A crazy table tennis experience on tables you've never seen before. An evening filled with play, drinks, snacks, music, bouncing balls and a tournament for sweaty competition. Play casual and challenge your friends, or join the tournament if you're up for the challenge. Just want to hang out and enjoy the music? No problem, there is plenty of room for that! For an impression of the tables and to check out the vibe, visit our Instagram or Tiktok page. The bar will serve a variety of beers and other drinks to make sure you keep hydrated while playing💦 TournamentDuring the evening there is a ‘King of the table’ tournament. At each of the tables you can score stickers by winning the round, which you can stick on your paddle. The more stickers you collect, the better you are. Choose your favourite table to focus on, and become the king of that table. Want to be the best overall? Score as many stickers across the six different tables. The players with the most stickers will move on to the final to battle until the one true king is left🏆! Line-up:* The Classic || 2Player 🏓 3 tables available * The Tripong || 3Player * The Circle || 4Player * The Line || 2Player * The Squash || 2Player * The Tube || 2Player Will you hold the trophy at the end of the night? Get your tickets in advance for €12,-, Or at the door for €15,-. The ticket gives you a spot in the tournament & entrance for the entire evening. We will supply the paddles & balls! See you there! Information Source: Pop-up Ping Pong | eventbrite

For the first time in their history, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Van Gogh Museum are joining forces to stage a major exhibition of one of the most important artists of our time: Anselm Kiefer.

MR Amsterdam 2nd Annviersary Celebration Join us for our 2nd anniversary with a massive celebration! All Midnight Runners worldwide are invited, so don't hesitate to bring along your friends and family. Secure your spot early and enjoy a special discount by purchasing your ticket before April 10th. Let's make this anniversary bash unforgettable! Event information Date & Time: May 3rd @2p.m. Ending time: 1 a.m. Location: Veronica Ship Boat (1 NDSM-Pier, 1033 RG Amsterdam) !!!MORE EXCITING DETAILS TO FOLLOW!!! Q/A Do I need to be from the Midnight Runners community to join? No, it is not required for you to be part of the community to join. All friends, family and interested to have fun can join :) Will there be music or DJ? We will have great DJ onboard that will be playing amazing hits during the event. Information Source: Midnight Runners | eventbrite

A group of novice actors, writers, and directors are excited to present their one-act plays to you! Get ready for an evening filled with laughter, drama, and everything in between. Our talented performers will showcase their skills in a series of short, captivating plays that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Join us for a night of entertainment and support local theater! Playwrights: Niharika Iyengar, Amy Lawrenson, Stacey Smith, Isaac Simon All plays will be performed in English. Information Source: Niharika Iyengar | eventbrite

The RevOps Pendulum: Where Business Meets InnovationYou're invited to an exceptional book launch event. Join us at DB55 as Haris Odobasic introduces The RevOps Pendulum. This is more than a standard book launch – it's a strategic gathering where commercial alignment meets meaningful connections. The RevOps Pendulum provides valuable insights on how Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success can effectively collaborate for organizational success. Like the book's central theme, our event bridges multiple worlds: business expertise meets creative inspiration, professional networking meets personal connections, and industry knowledge meets practical application. Complimentary drinks will be available at the opening reception from 19:00. Come early! (Official program begins at 19:30) Distinguished Attendees:Forward-thinking CEOs, accomplished GTM leaders, innovative RevOps professionals, and strategic investors looking for transformative opportunities. Event Highlights:AI & RevOps Fireside Chat featuring Evelina Petrova (VP of RevOps at Adyen) and thought leaders from GongAuthor Fireside Chat with Haris Odobasic discussing the journey and vision behind the bookContemporary Art Exhibition – curated by Anastasia GangaevEvening Entertainment – professional DJs enhancing the networking experienceValuable Networking Opportunities with industry peers and decision-makersBook Signing – secure your personalized copyAdditional Information:This event is proudly supported by our sponsors at Gong, partners from Pavilion and Adyen, and our gracious hosts at DB55.FREE ENTRY for Pavilion members – please contact your Chapter Heads (André, Koen, or Brendon) for your access code.Dress code: Business casual, start-up casual, or cocktail attire - flexible to accommodate your preference.We look forward to seeing you – an evening of meaningful connections and celebration awaits! Legal notice: By registering for this event, you consent to sharing your contact details with event partners who may contact you via email regarding relevant news, events, and information about their products. Information Source: Revenue Wizards | eventbrite

Every six months the Rijksmuseum presents new displays in the 20th-century galleries. This time we are highlighting some recent acquisitions.

In this exhibition you will get to know Samuel van Hoogstraten, discover the art of illusion and get to try it out yourself: see past the trickery and create your own optical illusion.

Concurrently with American Photography, Carrie Mae Weems’s 2021 series Painting the Town will be on show in the Rijksmuseum’s photography gallery. At first glance Weems’ large and powerful works resemble abstract paintings. During the Black Lives Matter protests, campaigners wrote texts on the panels that shopkeepers had used to board up their windows as a precautionary measure. The authorities then rendered the slogans illegible by covering them with large patches of paint. The unintended result of this act of censorship was a series of painterly compositions. Weems uses her work to explore what it means to be a witness to history, through themes such as racism, sexism and discrimination.

German artist Anselm Kiefer admired the artistic style of Vincent Van Gogh at the age of 17. His fascination with Van Gogh's work is still clearly visible in his works to this day, and he has been fascinated by Post-Impressionism throughout his career. This is the first major exhibition of Kiefer's work ever jointly organized by the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, and his work will be exhibited together with Van Gogh's. A beautiful visual feast, the exquisite paintings of these two masters are definitely not to be missed.

The Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam have long supported the work of Anselm Kiefer, and now the two institutions have joined forces with the Royal Academy of Arts in London to present a remarkable joint exhibition. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to revisit the world of Vincent van Gogh through the eyes of one of the most prominent contemporary figures of monumental painting and politicized art. From the age of 17, Kiefer was deeply influenced by Van Gogh, and the Post-Impressionist master remained a source of inspiration for him throughout his career. Van Gogh might not have imagined that there would always be an exhibition dedicated to his work in a corner of the world, but now we can explore the essence of Van Gogh's work in a new light through the eyes of another great artist.

TCT TUNA - That Comedy Thing - Tiny Underground Newbie Award 🎤 Vote for your favorite newbie comedian! 😬 A lineup of newbies compete to go the next round at the end of the month 👏 You decide the winners by voting on the night! 🍺Different venue that previous months! At Oosterbar, in the basement of Generator hostel. 🎫 Seating is limited, buy your tickets now! TUNA shows can sell out quick! That Comedy Thing has been a stepping stone for beginning comedians in Amsterdam. We're all about new comedians and strive to be a propaganda machine for the exciting Amsterdam underground comedy scene. Information Source: That Comedy Thing | eventbrite

Experience the grand opening of the "Getekende stadswildernis en workshop" event in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Hosted at the MeterHuisje Pop-up Gallery located at 6 Pazzanistraat, 1014 DB Amsterdam, this exciting event is scheduled for May 1, 2025. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of urban wilderness through intricate drawings and engaging workshops. Admission to this event is free, providing an excellent opportunity for art enthusiasts and nature lovers to come together and celebrate creativity. Don't miss out on this unique experience that promises to inspire and delight visitors of all ages.