Culture in Amstelveen - An Expat’s Guide

Let’s start with the most famous. With its name derived from Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam, Museum Cobrahas the word international written at its core.  The museum regularly takes the idea of the Cobra art movement and presents new exhibitions around it. Many times these exhibitions focus on  art and culture from various regions of the world. Some recent themes were African art, Danish Cobra artists, Moroccan modernists were among others, themes of immigration, alienation, integration were on display which made it extra interesting for us expatriates.

Over the years, Museum Cobra has hosted works from famous international artists such as Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo. It is worth regularly checking what is on display. All information and guided tours are also provided in English.

Insider tip: This museum is always on the look-out for volunteers. Fluency in Dutch is not required, so three years ago, I took this opportunity and had the chance to take a deep dive into the exhibitions and meet some lovely people. If you enjoy art and community service, have a look at their website on how to apply.

Sandbergplein 1, 1181 ZX - cobra-museum.nl

Right around the corner from the museum, you will find the public library. The library has a nice collection of English books but it offers more than that for the international community. It has started a project called “The World of Books”. This is a library within a library where readers bring in children’s books in their own language for book swapping. Moreover, they organize weekly storytelling hours in more than 10 languages: Russian, Chinese, Turkish to name a few.

And for adult internationals, the library offers a Taalhuis corner, a service for guiding those who wish to improve their Dutch language skills. You can make an appointment to sit down with someone from this organization and make the best plan to achieve your targets.

Insider tip: If you have been struggling to find books in Dutch that are not too difficult and at the same time interesting enough for adults, there is a specific section in the library where you can find a selection of simplified versions of international and Dutch literature. 

Stadsplein 102, 1181 ZM - debibliotheekamstelland.nl

A few steps away from the library, you will find Platform C. Previously known as the Amstelveense Music school, this organization offers a wide variety of lessons and workshops: playing a music instrument, ballet, singing.

There is a big community of international children here and it is always nice to watch the end of the year performances when they come together to put on great shows.

Insider tip: Besides music and dance, Platform C also offers language courses. If you never seem to find the time to learn Dutch, perhaps you can catch a class while your child is next door preparing for their concert!  

Stadsplein 99, 1181 ZM - platform-c.nu

A little further down from Stadsplein, in Elsrijk is the lovely Poppentheater. You may already know this location (if not, it is definitely worth discovering) but did you know that one of the few English theater courses in Netherlands takes place at this venue?  Having started as an afterschool club at the Amsterdam International Community School, ACT company has grown over the years and now accepts students from other schools. Every year, multiple plays are performed by children from different age groups that include dancing, singing and lots of laughs.

Insider Tip: ACT is planning to expand to new locations and age groups. Was it your childhood dream to step into the stage lights? That might just be possible. Keep an eye on their Facebook page or text the director, Rachel Stewart (herself an expat living in Amstelveen!) directly for more information about the upcoming courses.

Wolfert van Borsselenweg 85a, 1181 PH - amstelveenspoppentheater.nl

Situated in Ouderkerkerlaan, SAKB SAKB, along with its neighboring ODIN, offers a place for various cultural activities. There are many courses on offer for painting, ceramic, sculpting etc. Not only do they offer classes for different age groups,but they also host culturally specific workshops such as learning the art of Japanese Ikebana or Chinese calligraphy.

Insider tip: Behind SAKB, there is a building where the Japanese community gets together and on the ground floor, you will find a cozy little Japanese restaurant. Make sure to drop by for deliciously authentic food!

Ouderkerkerlaan 15, 1185 AB - sakb.nl

I will finish this route by coming back to Stadshart. In the shopping mall, among the clothes and sneaker shops you will be surprised to find an art gallery. Artists from AmstellandKunst, an association of artists in and around Amstelveen, have opened up a pop-up gallery in Winkelcentrum Stadshart. Exhibitions change every few weeks and the art pieces are affordable. The artists themselves are present in the gallery and are happy to chat with the visitors about their work in a casual setting.

Insider tip:  AmstellandKunst also organizes art events in Amstelveen. Two major ones are the Open Atelier route, where artists in Amstelveen open their studios to the public and En Plein Air, an event where artists take their canvases and brushes and paint in different outdoor locations in Amstelveen. Keep an eye on their social media channels for the announcements. 

Pop-up store: Winkelcentrum Stadshart shop 109 (close to entrance 8) - denieuwegalerie.nl