Amsterdam Graffiti Museum
The day started with a lovely breakfast then off to the museums. We wanted to start at the Rijksmuseum nearby, but ended up at the Amsterdam Graffiti Museum instead. Although Rijksmuseum is more notable and popular, the less well known STRAAT Museaum of Street Art and Graffiti was definitely worth the visit.
Breakfast to Start and off to the Museums
Having missed out on Bakers & Roasters the day before, we went back to Museumplein and walked to the restaurant. We were in luck with getting a table, mostly because we had more time to wait. We each devoured our Eggs Benedicts on homemade sourdough bread while drank the fresh brewed coffee and tea.
After the lovely breakfast, we walked back to Museumplein to see if we could into the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch art and art history museum with collection going back to the 17th century. Featured artist included Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, as well as, many other Dutch artists. Unfortunately, as with many of the museums, entry was sold out for the day. Not being surprised by this, we decided to go with our Plan B, the Amsterdam Graffiti Museum.
We hoped on public transportation and made the long trek through downtown Amsterdam, across the North Sea Canal to STRAAT museum. It was about a 40 minute commute to reach the NDSM Werf, where the museum is located. The NDSM Werf (Wharf) neighborhood is located in the abandoned boat yards that overlook the North Sea Canal and downtown Amsterdam across the way. It is fast becoming a trendy area for young couples with the museum, beachside bars, vintage markets and cafes.
STRAAT Museum of Street Art and Graffiti
The STRAAT Museum of Street Art and Graffiti was not open when we arrived. We were, however, able to view the graffiti art in the open area next to the museum. This large area with old stacked train cars and warehouse walls on either side, is open to any artist to spray paint their works. The interesting street art included many different styles and themes by unknown artist, most likely from the area.
Graffiti and Street Art Outside
Inside the Graffiti Museum
The museum is in a very large industrial warehouse with a huge open area and exposed beams reaching up about three floors. On the one side of the building above the entrance, there is a three story structure. The structure holds the gift shop, bathrooms, a coffee cafe, and a platform on the top level for a panoramic view of the building and all the graffiti art.
Graffiti art displayed were created at the museum by well known artist from around the world. Many were from New York, the epicenter of Graffiti Art, while others had spent time in New York. Art is displayed on massive canvas panels of varying sizes displayed on walls with one canvas above the other. Other works are sprayed on old trucks and other structures placed throughout the warehouse. Works varied in theme, some enlightening and some a little creepy, but all were remarkable. The amount of detail and time that had to go into these huge pieces was just astounding!
The three of us set off on one side of the museum, but quickly seperated as we enjoyed pieces at our own pace. We loved taking our time gazing at all the amazing pieces, especially my daughter, an artist herself. While we admired the canvas we learned about the artist and the meaning behind the work from accompanying signage.
Graffiti and Street Art Inside the Museum:
We all finished exploring the museum around the same time. Having finished near the entrance we decided to head to the top floor for a coffee. We each had our favorite type of steaming coffee while we appreciated the panoramic view of the graffiti art from above. It was a delightful way to end our afternoon and our trip to Amsterdam!
Heading Back
Once outside the Amsterdam graffiti Museum, we decided we needed to try another form of public transportation. The ferry, also part of the public transportation system, was only two blocks away! We made that quick walk, in the light drizzle, to the ferry station. Thankfully, the wait in the rain was not that long. Soon were were off enjoying another pleasant cruise, inside the boat, across the North Sea Canal to downtown Amsterdam.
After reaching Amsterdam Centraal Station, we hoped on the Metro and went back to the hotel to pick up our luggage. A quick stop, a fast food lunch nearby, then to the airport for our flight back to Stockholm.
What a wonderful finish to our short get away to Amsterdam!
Go to the Travel Blog page to read about the first few days of my trip to Amsterdam. Posts start April 28th with Short Get Away to Amsterdam.
