A-mag mini - EU Presidency 2016 No.2

AMSTERDAM MAGAZINE

MAR & APR EU PRESIDENCY EDITION

The card that offers more than you can visit (but you can try)

iamsterdam.com/citycard

AMSTERDAM MAGAZINE

EU PRESIDENCY LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

CONTENTS P.04 YOU ARE HERE

The heart of the EU Presidency: the Marine Etablissement

P.08 MARINE ETABLISSEMENT AREA

Explore the neighbourhood's best restaurants, museums, bars, cafes, and unique spots

P.12 DUTCH DESIGN

A spotlight on Dutch Design which you can see at the Europe building

P.16 VAN GOGH IN AMSTERDAM

Discover this true European's life in the city before becoming one of the world's most prominent painters

P.20 WHAT'S ON

A treasure trove of top tips: exhibitions, events, festivals, and hotspots during your stay in Amsterdam FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DUTCH EU PRESIDENCY: iamsterdam.com/europe, europebypeople.nl (official cultural programme), eu2016.amsterdam

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Amsterdam. Our city is hosting the Netherlands’ presidency of the European Union during the first half of 2016. I hope your stay in our city will leave you with fond memories.

I am looking forward to April, when the fifth conference of EU capital cities will be held at the National Maritime Museum. Twenty-eight mayors will meet on 21 April to discuss the role of cities in Europe. In consultation with the European Commission, we aim to contribute to solutions. Regarding the economy, sustainability and the arrival of refugees, there is enough experience for us to exchange.

But the Dutch EU presidency must not be a party for politicians. I am very pleased that there will be a public meeting on 21 April, at which Amsterdam residents will be exchanging views with the mayors of European capital cities.

And the ‘night mayors’ of European cities will be meeting on 22 and 23 April to discuss nightlife in Europe.

Topics on the agenda will no doubt range from the creative industries and gastronomy to security and art – all areas in which a city can make its mark and boost its popularity.

So where the EU is concerned, we can certainly talk about having a party, but a party for everyone. And there are plenty of other ways to enjoy yourself in Amsterdam too. Find out more in this magazine.

Mr. E.E. van der Laan Mayor of Amsterdam

published for the City of Amsterdam by Amsterdam Marketing editor-in-chief & writer Angel Trinidad project manager Sebas van der Sangen designer Zlatka Siljdedic coordinator Bart van Oosterhout

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EU PRESIDENCY

re etabsseent

YOU ARE HERE

The Marine Etablissement in Amsterdam is the sparkling centre of the Dutch EU Presidency for the first half of 2016. Located close to the central station, it was a former naval dockyard turned into a dynamic social and technological hub.

HISTORY The historical naval dock on Kattenburg Island has existed for over 350 years. In 1655, during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the site was a large shipyard. Plenty of ships were built there for the naval protection of the Dutch East India Company’s fleet.

One of the few surviving 17th century buildings in the area is the historic archway; hundreds of labourers, carpenters, mast-makers and painters walked underneath here daily to or from their work. A bell hung above the gate signalling the beginning of the workday. This bell can now be found in the Maritime Museum.

Meanwhile the Maritime Museum used to be a central storage and warehouse for the admiralty’s fleet; cannons, sails, flags and ship equipment were stored here. The imposing building was designed by Daniel Stalpaert, the same architect who designed the City Hall at Dam Square, now the Royal Palace.

© EDWIN VAN EIS

A COMMUNICATIONS, SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY HUB Located right next to the beautiful Maritime Museum, the area is now home to several innovative companies and organisations in the fields of media, sustainability, technology and social development, among others. marineterrein.nl

SMART CITY EXPERIENCE LAB Learn more about Amsterdam Smart City’s projects and innovations which aim to create smarter cities. Information regarding the projects are displayed on a Smart ID Card – an information card with answers to several key questions. There will also be a series of lectures and workshops.

Open on Tuesdays 12 pm – 5 pm & Fridays 9 am – 4 pm amsterdamsmartcity.com

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Q&A We had a quick chat with Farid Tabarki – founder of Studio Zeitgeist, one of the Top 200 most influential people in the Netherlands, Trendwatcher of the Year, speaker and globetrotter – about what makes the Kattenburg neighbourhood special, and how it feels to have an office where a prominent painter used to live…

TELL US ABOUT STUDIO ZEITGEIST We catch, present and shape the zeitgeist. By catching, we do classical research, focus groups, research commissioned by organisations, etc.

I’m also a moderator and host for meetings and conferences in Europe, which gives you a really quick and good insight on what’s happening in the economy and the public sector. By presenting, I do keynotes and lectures. I also have a weekly column in the Financiele Dagblad and just launched a new book called The End of the Middle – which explores the end of retail and the nation state. By shaping the zeitgeist, we advise organisations on future developments and what it means for their business. We also produce media outlets, leaflets, magazines or websites which communicates the current zeitgeist for businesses, their employees or consumers.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MARINE ETABLISSEMENT AS YOUR HQ? The funny thing is, I also live on the same island.

In fact, just on the other side of the road; I’m a citizen of Kattenburg Island. It’s interesting for me that this part of the city is now open to the public, as it used to be a space for the marine organisation before. I really like the mix of population; some people have been living here

since childhood, and at the same time, new waves of people come from different backgrounds and walks of life.

WHAT MAKES THE PLACE SPECIAL? It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for the city that a huge part of the centre is now open to the general public. It’s special because of the potential and excitement of what this new part of the city is going to mean for Amsterdam and for the people who are living here – from a personal perspective, and as somebody who is interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

It can accelerate some developments.

The funny thing is that my office is where Van Gogh used to live for one and a half years; his uncle was the commander of the marine. He actually lived in the room where we have our office! We also have a painting (not an original, of course) of Van Gogh which he painted during that period.

FAVOURITE SPOTS? There’s an amazing restaurant just around the corner: A Tavola (Kadijksplein 9). It’s really good, you’re in for a special treat and some delicious Italian food. My regular hang-out for coffee and croissants is Cafe Orloff (Kadijksplein 11). I often go to Pakhuis de Zwijger (Piet Heinkade 179). I will moderate events and discussions on the future of the city during FabCity Campus.

More info about FabCity Campus on p. 10 studiozeitgeist.eu

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hat' ew

EU PRESIDENCY

WHAT’S NEW? (in town) All the latest cultural news plus the fresh new initiatives, events and venues making Amsterdam the place to be.

‘IT WAS AWFUL AND WONDERFUL.’

BREAKING BAD STAR BRYAN CRANSTON RECALLS A FORMATIVE EXPERIENCE IN AMSTERDAM’S RED LIGHT DISTRICT.

© MARTIJN SAVENIJE

© FRANTIŠEK KUPKA, GALLIEN’S GIRL, 1909–10, OIL ON CANVAS, 42 ½ × 38 ¾ IN., PRAGUE, NÁRODNÍ GALLERY.

text Mark Smith & Angel Trinidad

De School is a 24-hour licensed venue located in a former school building. A club, music hall, restaurant, cafe, gym and exhibition space in one, it is fast becoming the hippest spot in Amsterdam West. With two authentic gymnastic halls from the sixties and nostalgic classrooms, it's a unique all-in-one venue for working out, dining and partying the night away.

Jan van Breemenstraat 1 deschoolamsterdam.nl

  

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TOP 5 o o

>

TOO COOL FOR...

If you only do one thing in Amsterdam, make it one of our top picks of must-do events, exhibitions, museums, music and more this issue.

1 KING’S DAY All hail the King... and his many revellers, as the nation’s capital marks the royal birthday not with a regal gala but with King’s Day, a street party to end all street parties.

27 April Across town

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© HELEN DOWLING

© ERIK & PETRA HESMERG

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© CRIS TOALA OLIVARES

talents who are breaking down barriers between film, video and visual art.

The participating artists include Melanie Bonajo, Felix Burger, Helen Dowling, Zachary Formwalt, Mariska de Groot, Hamza Halloubi & Cristóbal León among many others.

Until 22 May EYE Film Institute  eyefilm.nl/en

3 ROMEO & JULIET

The timeless love story of two star-crossed lovers are presented in atmospheric dance and song, with beautiful choreography by 2 CLOSE UP AT EYE Sasha Waltz, at the Dutch ‘Close-Up – A New Gene- National Opera and Ballet.

15-28 April ration of Film and Video Artists in the Netherlands’ Dutch National Opera & presents the work of recent Ballet  operaballet.nl film graduates and fresh

4 EASY VIRTUE AT VAN GOGH MUSEUM Discover the world of prostitution through the eyes of Vincent Van Gogh and many other well-known 19th century artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso.

Until 19 June Van Gogh Museum  vangoghmuseum.nl

5 AMSTERDAM SCHOOL AT STEDELIJK In celebration of 100 years of the Amsterdam School architecture and design movement, the Stedelijk museum’s exhibition ’Living in the Amsterdam School’showcases its stunning furniture collection from the era.

9 April to 28 August Stedelijk Museum  stedelijk.nl

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‘AMSTERDAM. EMOTIONAL CHOCOLATE. #RIDERWATCH’

© KOCH X BOS

REMBRANDT VAN RIJN – NUDE WOMAN SEATED ON A STOOL

BASSIST MAT OSMAN DISCOVERS AMSTERDAM-BORN BRAND TONY’S CHOCOLONELY ON SUEDE’S RECENT TOUR.

POP ARTS FESTIVAL Despite its moniker, the Pop Arts Festival is actually an 11-day, three-venue event focusing on local and international puppetry.

Forget Sesame Street and Punch and Judy; think Japanese kabuki, Russian and Czech marionettes and Turkish shadow puppets. "There’s not much of a puppet tradition in the Netherlands," says artist Ulrike Quade, who calls her company a puppet theatre for adults. "My mission is to integrate puppets more and more into theatre, dance and all the disciplines, so it’s one form." The festival’s opening night, ’Puppet Explosion‘, at Theater Bellevue, will be an ’animated party‘ with music, dance and puppet acts in addition to drinks and DJs.

FLASH MOB New research suggests that the foremost Dutch Old Master may have been something of a prude.

Certainly, Rembrandt’s depictions of naked folk, such as the Seated Nude at the Rembrandt House museum, are very rare indeed. It’s thought that the great artist only began using nude sitters towards the end of his career because of ’moral concerns’.

Until 16 May rembrandthuis.nl

14-24 April Theater Bellevue, Jeugdtheater de Krakeling and Ostade A’dam popartsfestival.nl

FLOWER BED It’s tulip season again and, five years since the unveiling of its orange-hued Princenhof, the Amsterdam Sofitel Legend The Grand remains the only hotel to boast its very own variety of tulip. This year, The Grand is taking tulip mania one step further; its stately courtyard will host a whopping eight new tulip strains that have never been seen the light of day before. sofitel-legend-thegrand.com

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re etabsseent rea

EU PRESIDENCY

Marine Etablissement and surroundings text Angel Trinidad map Gemma Pauwels/SaltyStock

HET SCHEEPVAART MUSEUM 

The National Maritime Museum presents a series of small exhibitions exploring various elements of maritime life. Moored outside is the Amsterdam, an exact replica of a famous Dutch East India Company ship.

Closed during informal meetings hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl



HEMA From sweet stroopwafels and savoury sausages, to cute home and kitchen objects and cheap socks, HEMA’s beloved inventory are staples to every Dutch home. A perfect place to buy snacks and trinkets (that even locals would love). hema.nl

PENSION HOMELAND AND EU VISITORS’ CENTRE 

The former officers’ quarters has a beautiful living room, billiards room and restaurant that is open to the public. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the stunning mid-20th century designed restaurant.

Plus, they serve specialty beer, made at Homeland’s own brewery. The newly opened Visitors’ Centre for the Dutch EU Presidency, also at Pension Homeland, showcases the history and operation of the EU via photography and video exhibits and interactive applications. pensionhomeland.com

AMSTERDAM LIBRARY 

The top floor of the multilevel public library houses the charming La Place, a restaurant and cafe with fantastic views of the city.

classical music (with a twist). The main auditorium has wonderful acoustics fit for intimate chamber music, as well as large orchestras. muziekgebouw.nl

LLOYD HOTEL AND CULTURAL EMBASSY 

With interiors designed by Dutch architects MDRDV and internationally renowned Dutch designers Richard Hutten, Claudy Jongstra and Joep Van Lieshout, Lloyd Hotel offers unique rooms ranging from 5 stars to 1 star. Set in a beautiful 1920s building, this hip hotel and cultural embassy offers an airy cafe/restaurant with a bar and terrace, plus an art library and regular cultural events. lloydhotel.com

NEMO 

A science center and museum housed in an imposing Renzo Piano building, the museum presents five floors of fun hands-on science exhibitions. Don’t forget to spend some time on the fifth floor, with its wide open space offering amazing views of the city! e-nemo.nl

ARTIS ZOO & MICROPIA 

Natura Artis Magistra is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in mainland Europe. Admire tropical fish in the Aquarium, travel through time at the Planetarium or get up close and personal with the free-roaming lemurs.

Also located in the complex is Micropia, the world’s first museum dedicated to microbes and microorganisms.

oba.nl

artis.nl, micropia.nl

CAFE ORLOFF 

BROUWERIJ HET IJ

A cosy cafe and bar located at Kadijksplein 11 – really close to the Maritime Museum and Europe building – serving delicious coffee and snacks. facebook.com/CafeOrloffAmsterdam

MUZIEKGEBOUW AAN `T IJ



Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ is Holland’s most important concert hall for contemporary and



Located in an old bathhouse, and right next to the ultimate landmark – a huge windmill! – Brouwerij Het Ij is the best known brewery in Amsterdam.

Offering high quality beers since 1985, the bar is open everyday of the year (including holidays), and offers tours during weekends. brouwerijhetij.nl

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 

      

  

CAFE RESTAURANT DE PLANTAGE 



The stunning Plantage restaurant, just next to the zoo, is housed in a breathtaking 19th century converted conservatory which was a former meeting facility for the members of the Artis Zoo. And of course, the dishes are impressive, too. caferestaurantdeplantage.nl

RESTAURANT 15 

Top chef Jamie Oliver’s industrial-style restaurant offers delicious Modern European food, served and prepared by disadvantaged youngsters which Oliver trained. fifteen.nl

HANNEKE’S BOOM 

This shack-style, waterfront cafe is a cosy and alternative place to enjoy drinks and listen to live music. Hang back, relax and watch the boats passing by the IJ river. hannekesboom.nl

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acy aps

EUROPE BY PEOPLE FabCity Campus

‘Europe by People’ is the official arts and design programme of the EU Presidency 2016, commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of its projects is ‘FabCity Campus’, a self-sufficient and hyperconnected local city representing our future way of living. text Angel Trinidad

FOUR THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FABCITY:

YVONNE WITTE © FICTION FACTORY

1 From April 11 onwards, this remarkable society will arise on Kop van Java Island. It will be inhabited by young students, professionals and artists, creating a self-sustaining city in which they will work, create, learn, build, research, and show possible solutions to universal problems in everyday living.

2 FabCity will function as a living lab for alternative designing, developing and producing – finding ecological and innovative solutions for cities and everyday life. Participants will create new social, economical and logistical services, products and systems.

3 A three-day kickoff at FabCity Campus and Pakhuis de Zwijger is taking place on 11-13 April. For the next ten weeks,

students will occupy FabCity Campus and the city, and look into specific issues – energy, water, food, waste, circular development, migration, transport, health – in ten different urban areas, in collaboration with its locals.

4 FabCity will have its own, independent smart grid, using wind turbines and solar panels to generate its electricity and sourcing water from the river IJ. Heat will be generated using a biomeiler for composting, and campus food trucks will serve fresh produce from local fishermen and farmers from the Amsterdam region. Even a local football team will be formed – We Are Here FC – and coached by students from the Sandberg Institute.

For the complete programme: europebypeople.nl/fabcity-campus

“ran onis hat egage n  oal eel, re itay eronected d t he ae e aage o eeop  rog oal anacrg iry, l oete d eeop into sl ef-tang onis.” – FabCity

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Q&A We spoke with Egbert Fransen managing director of cultural hub Pakhuis de Zwijger, and intendant of ‘Europe

by People’ - about FabCity Campus.

What can we expect from this project and what inspires him?

WHAT IS THE MAIN MESSAGE OF FABCITY? FabCity shows that we can find answers to the big environmental, social and economic challenges of this era. Scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, designers, students as well as people in the neighbourhoods of various European cities are working together on new ways of providing energy, growing food, organising healthcare and recycling waste.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS? One example is Fiction Factory, an innovative construction studio. They developed the Wikkelhuis, a sustainable house made out of strips of virgin fiber corrugated cardboard.

On campus, they will place three houses which will be used by campus residents.

Another is Wasted, a neighbourhood laboratory for plastic waste upcycling. The people behind the Wasted programme together with Better Future Factory, Bureau Sla, Overtreders W and the University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam will organise workshops about plastics

for schoolchildren. They will also create a collecting point for plastics, which will be recycled into usable products.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT EUROPE? The diversity that creates a certain unity. We actually have more in common than we think. While working on our project ‘New Europe: Cities in Transition’, we visited about twenty EU capitals. The things we saw in the cities and the experiences we had on the streets were similar as in Amsterdam. People are understanding and respectful of each other’s religion, background, ethnicity, sexual orientation. They work towards an inclusive and economically strong society.

HOW DOES ART AND DESIGN AFFECT TODAY'S SOCIETY? In all ways. Everything is about design. I believe that what we have designed can be re-designed, and that we still have a long way to go.

Artists can tell stories about how we want to live; in which cities we want to live. We should work more with artists to connect their imaginative powers to the big challenges of today. europebypeople.nl

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Dutch Design

tch in

During the EU Presidency at the Marine Etablissement, delegates will be surrounded by the works of today’s most influential Dutch designers at the Europe building. text Angel Trinidad

oens STUDIO RODERICK VOS

Designer Roderick Vos created Dutch trade-inspired gifts and souvenirs for the heads of delegations and ministers. These beautiful design objects – vases, glasses, candlesticks and tablecloths – are made with traditional production techniques both from the past and the present, which makes them truly characteristic of Dutch Design. Other eye-catching souvenirs include biscuit tins, teapots and chocolates.

© MARIE CECILE THIJS

roderickvos.com

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passageway IRMA BOOM Take an artful detour to check out the exceptional design by the renowned graphic designer Irma Boom that covers the floor, walls and ceiling of the new 120metre long pedestrian and bicycle passageway in Amsterdam Central Station.

The striking, abstracted seafaring motif is inspired by a tile painted by 17th-century Old Master Cornelis Bouwmeester, which can be seen in the Rijksmuseum.

exterior DUS ARCHITECTS

The 3D printed entrance and facade of the Europe building is designed by DUS Architects. Partly built from 3D printed material and in line with ‘Explore’ as a theme, large triangular niches are shaped like while sails, a nod to the many sailing ships that were built on-site. The unique 3D printed blue seats fit perfectly in each niche, and are locally produced with a large scale printer, KamerMaker. The printer makes use of a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique where bio-plastic is melted and applied layer by layer on a moveable platform to create huge spatial objects. dusarchitects.com

© OSSIP VAN DUIVENBODE

© AUKE ZELDENRUST

interior STUDIO EDWARD VAN VLIET In calming waves of blue and white, Studio Edward van Vliet created a beautiful world inside the Europe building. Under the theme ‘Explore’, the designer established a link between innovation and the historic character of the Marine Etablissement. creatingworlds.edwardvanvliet.com

© MARIE CECILE THIJS

EU Objects photography MARIE CECILE THIJS

Marie Cecile Thijs makes everyday objects look like Golden Age masterpieces. Her profound talent in capturing light and serene moods is evident in the photographs on display in the building. Taking Roderick Vos’ design objects, she created painterly photographs of each souvenir, transforming them into a surreal three-dimensional landscape – rendered in golden light, floating in mid-air.

© BZ | AAD MEIJER

mariececilethijs.com

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EU IN THE CLASSROOM text Angel Trinidad

BRINGING EUROPE CLOSER

One of projects of the city of Amsterdam during the Dutch Presidency is the ‘EU in the Classroom’ project, which aims to bring the EU closer to young people. By inviting EU officials to speak and give a guest lesson in secondary schools, the school project will literally put a face on the European Union, making it come alive for students, and fostering a constructive dialogue.

The city invites professionals of the European Institutions who will be coming to Amsterdam, to take an extra hour or two to visit a school and meet the young students of the city.

More than 20 schools in Amsterdam and neighbouring municipalities are looking forward to welcoming EU officials as guest speakers to share and discuss their experience with the EU. In partnership with the University of Amsterdam and the organisation of Amsterdam secondary schools, the municipality aims to match school teachers with EU officials according to their interests, specialties and language requests.

During the programme, EU officials are assisted by a third year European Studies student from the University of Amsterdam. These students have put together a special ‘EU in the Classroom’ lesson programme and developed lesson materials with school teachers on various EU themes such as security, the market, European multilingualism and the origin and function of the euro. The students act as ambassadors between the schools and the EU officials as they develop the themes under the supervision of the teachers. amsterdam.nl/schoolproject

eu in he asroom

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Q&A We asked Mike Stuart and Nynke Van der Tol, both 4th year highschool students, about their thoughts on ‘EU in the Classroom’: WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION? M: For (the course) sociology, we learned a little bit about the EU but not as much as we did today. My first impression of the EU is that it’s big and that everybody is a part of it.

N: I already knew quite a lot about the EU and about the fact that the Netherlands is holding the Presidency. I learned a lot today about satellites.

DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EUROPE AFTER THE TALK? M: Yes, it’s all a little bit clearer now.

We understand now why some issues are handled at the local government level and others at the EU-level.

N: Yes, I now know a lot more than I did before. It is important that there is cooperation. The existence of the EU is important.

WHICH TOPICS DID THE EU DELEGATE DISCUSS? M: He talked about the structure of the EU and current events.

WHAT WAS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE LEARNED? M: Everything was informative and interesting!

N: The part about satellites was the most interesting for me.

Do you wish to take part of the programme as a guest lecturer?

To learn more about the EU in the Classroom programme, visit: amsterdam.nl/schoolproject

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soer

Van Gogh in Amsterdam

Before Vincent Van Gogh became an artist and an acclaimed postimpressionist master, he dreamt of becoming a minister. He spent 400 days in the city before moving to other European towns and discovering his passion in painting. text Angel Trinidad

LIVING IN THE MARINE ETABLISSEMENT When he was 24 years old, Vincent spent more than a year living and studying in Amsterdam (from May 1877 to July 1878). He took up theological studies, Latin and Greek in hopes of becoming a preacher. He lived with his uncle Johannes van Gogh, who was the director of the Amsterdam naval dockyard. They lived just next to the naval storehouse, which is now the Maritime Museum.

The exhibition ‘Vincent van Gogh: 400 Days in Amsterdam’ at the Amsterdam City Archive offers personal insights from the famous Dutch artist, which includes letters to his brother vividly describing the city life around him. In these letters, he painted a picture in words of everyday life: the shipbuilders walking past the building at five in the morning, the beautiful garden behind their house, the poplar trees lining the street, and the people he encounters during his long walks.

Two oil sketches of Amsterdam made by Van Gogh can be seen in the exhibition. This little-known painting (pictured here) was created in 1885, while he was waiting for a friend at the city's old train station.

Until 17 April Amsterdam City Archive stadsarchief.amsterdam.nl

17 FIND VAN GOGH

an oh sem

Amsterdam Nowhere in the world is it possible to see so many works by Van Gogh in one place, with over 200 paintings, 400 drawings and 700 letters. vangoghmuseum.com

rer-er sem

Van Gogh lived like a modern cosmopolitan, travelling and living in over 30 different places in Europe during the course of his life.

Born in Zundert in the Netherlands, he later worked in the Hague, London and Paris as an art dealer. In 1877, he lived in Amsterdam while studying to become a pastor and later on worked as a missionary in the Borinage, a poor mining region in Belgium. He developed as an artist in Nuenen, Antwerp and Paris, and spent the last years of his life in the French towns of Arles, Saint-Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise. He was fluent in Dutch, English and French and a prolific writer in these languages, writing over 900 letters during his lifetime. vangoghletters.org

Otterlo Nestled in the forests of the Veluwe National Park, this picturesque location has the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world. kmm.nl

an oh’ oead

Brabant Trace the artist’s early years and their influence on his career in these locations: Van Gogh House Zundert, Vincent Van Gogh Information Centre Etten-Leur, Van Gogh Village Nuenen and The North Brabant Museum ‘s-Hertogenbosch. vangoghbrabant.com

asonan oh in he orage

Mons This little brick house and museum tells the story of Van Gogh’s time as an aspiring preacher in the mining town of Mons. en.maisonvangogh.mons.be

54 e epic

Paris Van Gogh moved into his brother’s third-floor apartment in Montmartre which is now a private residence.

t. Pl e asoe oatery

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Visit the former asylum where Van Gogh received treatment and where you can see his old room, and the beautiful garden where he painted many of his masterpieces. saintpauldemausole.fr

ason ean oh

Auvers-sur-Oise Auberge Ravoux is the last place where Van Gogh lived. maisondevangogh.fr/en

© COLLECTION P. & N. DE BOER FOUNDATION

A TRUE EUROPEAN

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5 ios

EU PRESIDENCY

5 QUESTIONS

REBEL IN A SUIT

With the goal of stimulating a safe and diverse environment, the Night Mayor functions as an ambassador for everyone who feels connected to the city’s nocturnal life.

© PHILIPE VOGELEZANG

e psed e ios o he rent iht-aor, rk an, d soered  reare roe f s: 1. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT AMSTERDAM? For me, Amsterdam is special because of its history and diversity. For so long, it has been so prosperous and keeps on attracting people from all over the world. I also like the decisiveness and conciseness of the people living here. ’Getting things done’ is our tagline.

2. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO HERE AT NIGHT? I like to combine the familiar with the new, and explore different places. I usually have a good dinner with friends in a restaurant like Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam (Watertorenplein 6) and from there we will go to a party in the North neighbourhood across the Ij. The North has several cool locations which offer more than just partying. One of them is the Lighthouse (Krijn Taconiskade 432), a hybrid location for parties, community projects, work spaces and art exhibits. I also enjoy going to raves at the Voltt warehouse parties (www.voltt.com).

3. ANY MEMORABLE STORIES DURING YOUR REIGN AS NIGHT MAYOR?

© DENNIS BOUMAN

Yes of course! Most memorable was playing the first

record at Club Trouw together with Mayor Eberhard van der Laan, when the club first got its 24-hour licence. It was a very special moment, not just for me but for the whole club scene.

4. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? We're working on our biggest project now, the first ever Night Mayor Summit which is to be held at Marktkantine in Amsterdam. It’s part of the official cultural programme, where various delegates and night mayors from other European cities will join in the discussion on subjects like the nighttime economy, public health, arts and culture.

22 & 23 April

5. ANY HIDDEN GEMS IN THE CITY? That would definitely be Mayor Manor (Nes 116), one of the most beautifully decorated monumental buildings in town. Also, check out the newly opened club De School (Jan van Breemenstraat 1) on the west side, a former school building, where you can have dinner, or go clubbing, all in the same location. nachtburgemeester.amsterdam

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BACK THEN

For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) visitors and residents, Amsterdam is one of the most attractive cities in Europe.

Nowhere in the world will you find so many gay-friendly attractions per square metre as in the city centre of Amsterdam. As such, it's no small wonder that Amsterdam became so popular with gay visitors.

Moreover, Amsterdam was where the first ever same-sex marriage took place. On the first of April 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise gay marriage. The first four same-sex couples were married in the city by then Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen in a wonderful celebration with champagne, pink roses, and a pink tiered cake. A few months earlier, Mayor Cohen had been junior Minister of Justice of the Netherlands and was responsible for putting the new marriage and adoption laws through parliament.

Š ANP PHOTO/MARCEL ANTONISSE

1 APRIL 2001

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WHAT’S ON

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

TULIP MANIA Tulip fever strikes again!

During the whole month of April, citizens and visitors of Amsterdam will experience the city in full bloom: hundreds of thousands of tulips can be seen in dozens of venues all over the capital. In line with the motto ’A tulip for every citizen of Amsterdam’, around 800,000 tulips can be seen in participating museums, hotels and venues across the city.

Admire these iconic blooms in locations such as DoubleTree by Hilton, Conservatorium Hotel, EYE Amsterdam and Van Gogh Museum, among many others.

Various locations 1-30 April 2016 tulpfestival.com

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS ROZE FILMDAGEN With its top-draw programming, the festival has earned an excellent reputation amongst its visitors, as well as with filmmakers and festivals abroad. Subtitled the Amsterdam LGBTQ Film Festival, its aim is to highlight all aspects of quality LGBTQ cinema for a broad audience: feature films, documentaries and shorts, which are typically missing from regular cinematic programming.

10-20 Mar, Ketelhuis/ Westergasfabriek rozefilmdagen.nl 24H WEST From noon on Saturday till noon on Sunday, the West district is overflowing with fun and often unusual events. Theatres, museums, clubs, shops and places of interest open their doors to the public. For example, listen to beautiful arias while enjoying a cold beer at Bret, or go die-hard DIY at the Student Hotel. Night owls can dance till dawn to electronic music at the Radion Weekender, while early birds can start their day with a Turkish breakfast followed by a yoga lesson at Podium Mozaïek.

12 & 13 Mar, various locations, iamsterdam. com/24h ROME. THE DREAM OF EMPEROR CONSTANTINE This impressive collection shows how Christianity grew in imperial Rome, from being a minor religious community to becoming a major world religion, illustrated by treasures of Roman art and architecture from the 4th century AD and onwards.

16-20 Mar, RAI Amsterdam CINEDANS This international dance and movie festival features short and full-length dance films, documentaries, installations and a special children’s programme.

16-20 Mar, EYE Filmmuseum, cinedans.nl ST. PATRICK’S IRISH FESTIVAL 2016 If you had dyed-green canals, bad wigs and floods of

Choice event

EUROVISION IN CONCERT The Eurovision Song Contest 2016 will take place in Stockholm, but make sure to go to Amsterdam's popular pre-party at Melkweg where many of the competing acts will unleash their songs before an adoring audience. The Netherlands will be represented this year by Dutch singer-songwriter Douwe Bob. Sat 9 Apr, Melkweg, 19:30, x35 Guinness in mind, think again: this Dutch-Irish cultural celebration is a tad more sophisticated. Taking place all day long, there’s everthing from traditional Irish dancing, folk music, film screenings, a chance to watch the Ireland v. Scotland rugby match, plus a live performance by Liam Ó Maonlaí.

19 Mar, Splendor, splendoramsterdam.com AWAKENINGS EASTER SPECIAL An institution in the Netherlands, Awakenings is behind some of the country’s most legendary techno events and they’re back to help you kickstart your Easter!

24-27 Mar, Westergasfabriek, awakenings.com RESTAURANT WEEK This biannual event sees the city present its culinary bounty to offer memorable mouthfuls at cheap, forgettable prices. The idea is simple: eat, drink and be merry at no added expense. It’s a great opportunity to sample some of the city’s finest dining venues. The wealth of participating establishments traditionally includes Michelinstarred restaurants, lauded celebrity dining haunts and

trendy eateries.

30 Mar-10 Apr, various locations, www.restaurantweek.nl INNOVATION EXPO What does the city of the future look like? The theme for this biennial event is `Sustainable Urban Deltas'.

The Innovation Expo connects and inspires (future) innovative initiators, offering a stage for concrete projects that contribute to smart, sustainable and social cities of the future. innovatie-estafette.nl 14 April IMAGINE FILM FESTIVAL The Imagine Film Festival is a home to fantastic ideas and creative filmmaking.

While the festival still features the very best intern tional horror releases, it has broadened its taste to include fantasy, cult, animé, experimental and science fiction. This year’s theme is ‘Building Dreams and Nightmares’, and in addition to dozens of long and short fi lms, directors are invited to discuss their work in symposiums. And, for hard core horror fans, there’s always the annual Night of Terror at Pathé

Tuschinski.

14-26 Apr, EYE Filmmuseum, imaginefilmfestival.nl RECORD STORE DAY Each year more and more bands participate in Record Store Day, causing fans to queue up and grab limitededition independent album releases or one-off reissues from heritage rock acts. In Amsterdam, head to local record stores like Concerto and Velvet Music for live instores and other surprises.

16 Apr, various locations, recordstoreday.nl NATIONAL MUSEUMWEEK AMSTERDAM Expanded from a weekend to a whole week, this event sees museums all around the Netherlands organise unique events and lower ticket prices, inviting visitors to check out what they are all about. With admission being reduced to as little as €1 at many of Amsterdam’s museums, it’s the ideal time to visit.

16-24 Apr, various locatons, nationalemuseumweek.nl CINÉMA ARABE This Dutch film festival, based in both Amsterdam and Rotterdam, showcases the best of contemporary Arab cinema and provides a fresh look at life in the Arab world. Film screenings are interspersed with director interviews, debates and other special events.

19-24 Apr, Rialto, cinemaarabe.nl SPRINGSNOW FESTIVAL Every year, Amsterdam’s elm trees scatter a blanket of blossom over the city’s streets: a phenomenon that has come to be known as ‘spring snow’. This celebration of spring includes a walking route past the city’s elm highlights, exhibitions and side programmes.

21 Apr-21 May, various locations, springsnow.nl For the complete listing: iamsterdam.com

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EXHIBITIONS & MUSEUMS ANNE FRANK HOUSE Prinsengracht 263 is where Anne Frank lived in hiding with her family during WWII. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, as the lines can be long.

(Permanent exhibition) KONINKLIJK PALEIS (ROYAL PALACE) The Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) on Amsterdam’s Dam Square is one of three palaces still in use by the Dutch royal family. When the palace is not being used by the royal family, it is open to the public.

(Permanent exhibition) MARC CHAGALL’S CALVARY Regarded as a key work by the young Marc Chagal, his Cubo- Futurist Jesus portrayed in ‘Calvary’ was created when he was just 25 years old in 1912.

Owned by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, this large-scale painting will be exclusively on loan for the fifth instalment of the Masterpiece.

De Nieuwe Kerk, until 10 Apr SETH SIEGELAUB: BEYOND CONCEPTUAL An exhibition looking at the life and work of Seth Siegelaub. Often billed as the ‘father of Conceptual Art’, he was a seminal influence on curators, artists, and cultural thinkers, internationally and in Amsterdam, where he settled in the 1990s.

Stedelijk Museum, until 17 Apr ZONDE Seven artists are invited to reflect upon the seven deadly sins. Each month sees a different artist present works inspired by their designated sin.

Biblical Museum, until 30 Apr SASKIA NOOR VAN IMHOFF A solo exhibition by Dutch artist Saskia Noor van Imhoff (1982), with her installation taking direct

inspiration from the Stedelijk’s collection.

Stedelijk Museum, until 8 May BERLAGE, GODFATHER OF DUTCH DESIGN Berlage could be considered to be the most impor-

Laurent.

Rijksmuseum, until 15 May REMBRANDT’S NAKED TRUTH Based on the latest research, Rembrandt’s Naked Truth features 17thcentury nude studies that

Choice exhibition

SECRET LOVE, SEXUAL DIVERSITY IN CHINA This art exhibition explores the state of social acceptance of LGBT people in today’s China. Contemporary artists have played an important role in the shift in awareness and growing social acceptance of sexual diversity, and the fight for equal rights.

Tropenmuseum, until 8 May tant designer in Dutch history. He not only designed the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, but also the many exceptional objects and pieces of furniture inside the building. This exhibition showcases authentic pieces of furniture from Berlage’s hand, as well as looking at contemporary Dutch Design.

Beurs van Berlage, until 15 May CATWALK An exhibition dedicated to some 100 spectacular examples of Dutch fashion, dating from 1625 to 1960.

Look out for vibrantlycoloured French silk gowns and luxurious velvet gentlemen’s suits of the 18th Century, classically-inspired Empire dresses and bustles of the Fin de Siècle culminating in 20th-century French haute couture

by Dior and Yves Saint

have never before been brought together in such large numbers. It will be the first time that Rembrandt’s frank approach to drawing nudes will be examined in depth and brought to the attention of a wide audience. Expect more than 50 objects collected from around the world, shown alongside pieces from the museum’s own collection.

Rembrandt House Museum, until 16 May AMY WINEHOUSE: A FAMILY PORTRAIT Looking beyond the hype, this exhibition presents an intimate portrayal of the life of Amy Winehouse, emphasising her passion for music and fashion, as well as the history of her Jewish family and her school days. The Winehouse family has offered access to many of Amy’s

personal belongings for this collection, while the stories by her brother Alex make the experience even more personal.

Jewish Historical Museum, until 4 Sep BREITNER: GIRL IN KIMONO Breitner created this much-loved series between 1893 and 1896, with young model Geesje Kwak being immortalised in his art.

Here you can see the entire series of 14 paintings, including an unfinished version and an unknown ‘Girl in a Red Kimono’, telling the story of how these works were created through the many preparatory drawings, sketches and photographs that the artist produced.

Rijksmuseum, until 22 May SPANISH MASTERS FROM THE HERMITAGE Subtitled ‘The World of El Greco, Ribera, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Murillo & Goya’, this grand exhibition of Spanish art and artefacts includes more than 60 superior paintings and a rich collection of graphic works and applied arts masterpieces. As well as the grand masters, it features paintings by their pupils and later painters, up to and including Picasso.

Hermitage Amsterdam, until 29 May WORLD PRESS PHOTO The winning images from the world’s most prestigious annual press photography contest begin their world tour in Amsterdam each year, presenting a reflection of trends and developments in photojournalism. This collection of images not only presents the (at times gruesome) reality of events on the world stage, but also the beauty of life, sports, art, science and nature.

De Nieuwe Kerk, 16 Apr-10 Jul For the complete listing: iamsterdam.com

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MUSIC & STAGE MUSE The last time Muse were in Amsterdam they were headlining the Amsterdam ArenA football stadium.

Currently touring their newest album Drones, expect a mammoth rock show with spectacular audio and visual setpieces across these three massive arena gigs.

Mon 7, Wed 9, Thur 10 Mar, Ziggo Dome, 20:00, €52-€57 LONDON CALLING A favourite of music lovers in Amsterdam, taking place twice a year in Paradiso, London Calling showcases a collection of bands who’re tipped to make it big, along with a few more who’re making a comeback: pop, rock, electronic and beyond. In this edition, look out for Joan Shelly, Palehound and Ultimate Painting.

11 & 12 Mar, Paradiso, 18:30, €17.50 per day or €35 for both nights SAVAGES Savages by name, savage by nature. This English postpunk outfit now have two critically-acclaimed records to their name and a fierce aesthetic that is intensely choreographed. For once, common comparisons to Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees are utterly justified.

Wed 16 Mar, Melkweg, 19:30, €17.50 SCAPINO BALLET – ROLLERCOASTER The renowned Rotterdambased company presents an evening of bursts of dance in a non-stop performance of short choreographies by different choreographers such as Marco Goecke, Itamar Serussi, Marcos Morau, Gentian Doda and Joeri Dubbe.

Sat 19 & Sun 20 Mar, Stadsschouwburg, 20:30, €10-€37.50 A-HA Norway’s finest have come and gone and come again.

Thirty years on from their

Choice music

Thur 31 Mar, Heineken Music Hall, 20:00, €42 THE CORAL Following a five-year hiatus, UK psych-rock troupe The Coral bring their swaggering new sounds and well-trodden favourites to Amsterdam. Support comes from Manchester buzz band Blossoms, fresh from their turn on the BBC Sound of 2016 list.

Fri 8 Apr, Melkweg, 19:30, €17.50

OPERA FORWARD FESTIVAL The Dutch National Opera celebrates its 50th anniversary with the brand-new Opera Forward Festival, which explores the future of opera through innovative new work by the next generation of artists.

15-25 Mar, various dates, locations, times and prices, operaforwardfestival.nl

WEEZER From dorky alt-rock heroes to arenafilling megastars, this American band combines heavy power pop with a geeky humour, selling 17 million albums so far. April sees the release of their 10th studio album, their own White Album in fact, including singles ‘Thank God For Girls’, ‘Do You Wanna Get High?’ and ‘King of the World’.

Fri 8 Apr, Heineken Music Hall, 20:00 biggest hits ‘Take on Me’ and ‘The Sun Always Shines on TV’, which fell perfectly in with the MTV zeitgeist of the mid-1980s, this classic pop band is back for a second official reunion. In fact, they’re returning to the same

BEST OF BALANCHINE The Dutch National Ballet dances an ode to Russian-American choreographer George Balanchine, with a programme that includes three wellknown masterpieces and one of his works that is new to the company: Theme and Variations, Apollon musagète, Tarantella Pas de Deux and Violin Concerto. Selected dates in Mar and Apr, Dutch National Opera and Ballet, €16-€61 arena at which they bade farewell to their Amsterdam fans just a few years back. As well as the chart toppers, chiselled frontman Morten Harket will be breaking out tracks from their new record Cast in Steel.

LUNCHTIME CONCERT The Royal Concertgebouw’s free weekly lunchtime concerts showcase the talents of up-and-coming musicians or offer an opportunity to be present at a public rehearsal of one of the city’s big orchestras.

Wednesdays (except 27 Apr) & Fri 29 Apr, Royal Concertgebouw, 12:30, free PIPPIN The Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, featuring songs by Wicked’s Stephan Schwartz, comes to Amsterdam for a month, complete with its original US cast. This high-flying, death-defying musical is overflowing with extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs that will glue themselves into your head.

Wed 9 Mar-Sun 10 Apr, Royal Theatre Carré, various dates and times, €23.50-€93.50 NOEL GALLAGHER‘S HIGH FLYING BIRDS Noel Gallagher took his prodigious songwriting talents with him when he left Oasis in 2009, forming High Flying Birds to pursue his solo career. He soon picked up the Q Award for best album with Chasing Yesterday and the gongs keep on coming. Support from Brooklyn indie rock trio Augustines.

Mon 18 Apr, Heineken Music Hall, 20:00, €35 For the complete listing: iamsterdam.com

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rey hs

PRETTY THINGS

Purses at the ready: these tempting stores will have you reaching for your credit card.

text Catalina Iorga & Angel Trinidad

book paradise a e-way    tera m

MENDO

THE NEW I AMSTERDAM STORE IN CENTRAL STATION

A paradise for book aficionados, Mendo selects the world’s greatest books on fashion, architecture photography, interior, traveling, food and graphic design. The design of this stunning store was created

by Concrete Architectural Associates.

From the idea of making a bookstore made of books, the designers lined the wall with thousands of black MENDO books, making for an intimate and mysterious atmosphere. Mendo also publish their own books, which are also the perfect souvenirs; check out the beautiful Amsterdam, The Amsterdam Canals and Below Sea Level.

Those already craving local treats with a conscience should look no further than the brand new I amsterdam store, housed under the mirrored roof of Central Station’s shiny IJ hall. A sprawling 300m2 affair, the shop wants locals to feel proud of the city’s vibrant cultural scene and innovative artisans.

Among the socially-minded products that you can bag straight away are chocolate bars from Tony’s Chocolonely, which strives to only use traceable, fairly-produced cocoa; organic brews from the city’s original microbrewery, Brouwerij ’t IJ; and natural, paraben-free skincare goodies made by Marie-Stella-Maris, a social enterprise keen on making clean drinking water the global norm.

One of the store’s highlights is a wall showcasing 27 home-grown products and brands. The focus is on the stories behind their success, and sustainability is purposefully woven into many of these brands’ DNA. The store also offers personalised advice for your trip: ask one of the enthusiastic insiders, who will be walking around the store, ready to tell you where the city’s finest coffee or most cutting-edge exhibitions are to be found.

Central Station IJ Hall iamsterdam.com

Berenstraat 11 mendo.nl

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TRIP AROUND EUROPE Cosmopolitan shopping & dining in Amsterdam

text Angel Trinidad

oenia, Pad, ech epbic

HARVEST AND COMPANY Their industrial designs, vintage furniture and interior goodies were mostly found in old factories in Eastern Europe but have been renovated and are now ready to use and fabulously unique. Also try Woodies at Berlin in Amsterdam Noord.

nad

A PIECE OF FINLAND This beautiful concept store offers food, objects, clothing and travel accessories by Finnish designers. There is also a coffee corner where visitors can relax and enjoy pastries and delicious coffee from a Finnish roastery.

Tweede Helmersstraat 96  www.harvestandcompany.com Ms van Riemsdijkweg 51  woodiesatberlin.nl

Haarlemmerdijk 66  apieceoffinland.nl

an

PUERTO PATA NEGRA Known for their delectable tapas, Pata Negra offers authentic Spanish cuisine made with fresh ingredients from Spain. Grab a pitcher of sangria and enjoy the restaurant’s mouthwatering patatas bravas, chorizo and paella.

Oostelijke Handelskade 999  pata-negra.nl

rae

       



 teram

LOCAL GOODS STORE With every purchase at this beautiful concept store, you are funding the work of many local Dutch designers, creators and brands. The Local Goods store located at the beautiful De Hallen presents innovative and original products - books, t-shirts, art, jewellery, food and accessories - all made by local creatives.

Hannie Dankbaarpassage 39  localgoodsstore.nl

erany

CAFE BRECHT This cosy Berlin-style living-room cafe is decorated with vintage mismatched sofas, chairs and lampshades, making for a relaxed and unpretentious hangout. Serving German beers, soft drinks and light bites, it is the perfect spot for an after-work drink.

Weteringschans 157  cafebrecht.nl

enrk

BOLIA Danish furniture and lifestyle chain Bolia has recently opened its doors in Amsterdam. Discover an idyllic world of cosy, personal and innovative `New Scandinavian Design´, with their beautiful handmade furniture in minimal styles, luscious colours and inviting textiles.

Utrechtsestraat 78  bolia.com

em

VLAAMS FRITESHUIS VLEMINCKX

A long line snaking out on the street can always be seen beside this small friet stand. Vleminckx sells delicious home-made Belgian fries and 25 different types of sauces, and was voted 2nd best snack corner in Holland by a Dutch newspaper. The best things in life are worth waiting for, as they say.

Voetboogstraat 31-33  vleminckxdesausmeester.nl

BETTY BLUE Betty Blue is simply pastry heaven.

They also serve breakfast and lunch with a French touch, and sell fashion and lifestyle goodies.

Snoekjessteeg 1-3  bettyblueamsterdam.nl

tay

SPAGHETTERIA This beautiful spaghetti bar offers fresh, homemade pasta made according to ancient Italian traditions. The menu consists of three permanent classics and three other traditional dishes, which change on a daily basis - all made from organic flour from Emilia Romagna.

Jan Hanzenstraat 32  spaghetteria-pastabar.nl

ween

SCANDINAVIAN EMBASSY This sparse, minimal cafe serves the best fika and Swedish dishes in town.

Serving delicious coffee from diverse micro-roasters in Scandinavia (including famed Drop Coffee Roasters in Stockholm and Koppi Fine Coffee Roasters in Helsingbor)and counting the 2013 Brewers Cup Champion of Sweden as its head barista, Scandinavian Embassy is a must-visit in Amsterdam. Tip: the cinnamon buns are the best in the country!

Sarphatipark 34  scandinavianembassy.nl

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EU PRESIDENCY

EATING OUT

Our top dining options, from sweet sensations to starred suppers.

© GUIDO DE VISSER

text Angel Trinidad

pop-up Michelin dining ROOM SERVICE AT OLOF’S

Zeedijk 2a roomserviceatolofs.com

© MERIJN ROUBROEKS

L

ocated in an awe-inspiring location, Room Service at Olof ’s is a pop-up restaurant situated in the oldest chapel in Amsterdam. One star Michelin chef Chris Naylor - famous for his work at Restaurant Vermeer - serves dishes centering on vegetables, with fish and meat as sides. On the beautiful mezzanine, you can visit the first Vermuteria in Holland (serving Italian and Spanish vermouths), a charcuterie bar with meats by local brand Brandt & Levie, and a tropical cocktail bar serving delicious cocktails.

The interiors have the atmosphere of NH’s Barbizon Palace’s hotel rooms, that is because the hotel’s furniture, lamps and curtains (even the Bibles) of the hotel is used for the restaurant’s setting. Check in to this luscious paradise until 30 April.

festival EUROPA CULINAIR WHAT A food festival celebrating European food and drinks, with information about European food traditions and culture WHEN 17-21 March WHERE Gedempt Hamerkanaal 231, Kromhouthal WHY VISIT? You can “travel” around Europe and enjoy delicious drinks and bites - from Spanish hams to Hungarian goulash - for just ¤2,50 to ¤5,00 a bite.

There will also be an entertainment programme.

Kromhouthal, Gedempt Hamerkanaal 231 europaculinair.eu

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THE SWEETEST SPOTS

From traditional Dutch treats such as stroopwafels and poffertjes to more classical cakes and pastries, these dessert addresses’ specialties will make your saccharine dreams come true. text Angel Trinidad

IJSCUYPJE

speculaas ice cream This chain of ice cream shops offer the best homemade ice cream in the city and offers the most special flavours. Our tip: the speculaas ice cream, made out of the traditional Dutch spiced cookie.

Eerste van Helstraat 27, Prinsengracht 292, and more

WINKEL 43

apple pie

Winkel 43’s generous portions of crunchy baked apple pie is served with dollops of delicious whipped cream and is heralded as the best appletaart in the city. Just go.

Noordermarkt 43

DE LAATSTE KRUIMEL

courgette cake

‘The Last Crumb’ serves heavenly cakes, tarts, pies and cookies, all showcased beautifully in its whimsical window display. The homemade lemon poppyseed scone and the courgette cake are crowd favourites.

Langebrugsteeg 4

PATISSERIE HOLTKAMP

champagne cake

This beloved Amsterdam institution has been around since 1886, offering the best classical cakes in town. Local favourites

PATISSERIE HOLTKAMP

include flavoured chocolates and the lemon meringue cake. Don’t miss out on the champagne cake, it tastes as lovely as it sounds.

Vijzelgracht 15

NOORDERMARKT

poffertjes

Poffertjes are like mini pancakes, but fluffier and puffier. The most delicious and buttery ones are made fresh and sold on the streets.

Check out the stands at Noordermarkt flea- and organic market for this traditional Dutch treat.

Noordermarkt

BLOMMESTEIN

tompouce

This bakery produces the most delicious tompoucen in Amsterdam. The tompouce is one of the most iconic (and difficult to eat) Dutch pastries; two layers of puff pastry with cream filling, topped with smooth pink icing.

Churchilllaan 26

HET OUD-HOLLANDSCH SNOEPWINKEL

traditional candy

The Old Dutch Candyshop, located in the heart of the Jordaan district, offers delightful candy made in the way our grandparents used to enjoy it. Dare to try drop (licorice) - most Dutchies’ favourite candy.

Egelantiersdwarsstraat 2

LANSKROON BANKETBAKKERIJ

stroopwafels

Famous for their giant-sized homemade stroopwafels, this confectionary, tea room has been around since 1908, boasting four generations of master bakers.

While traditional stroopwafels have caramel filling, Lanskroon offers two mouthwatering flavours: hopjes (coffee and caramel toffee) and honing (honey).

Singel 385

DRS. KOEKKENBAKKER

customised cakes

This lovely lady creates the most amazing customised birthday and wedding cakes. Arienne does not have a shop or bakery open to public yet, so requests are done via phone or e-mail. The chocolate cake with raspberry mousse is delicious! drskoekenbakker.nl

VAN STAPELE KOEKMAKERIJ

chocolate cookie Hidden in a small alleyway close to Spui square lies a small cookie store selling the best kind of chocolate cookie in the world: dark chocolate cookie with melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate inside.

Heisteeg 4

Book online vangoghmuseum.com/easyvirtue Van Gogh engages you.