The Heart of Amsterdam
Once was a neighborhood
Where artists and creatives
Like Rembrandt van Rijn
Lived, dreamed, danced, and strolled
Nowadays
De Wallen -The Red Light District -
Still harbors the boldness of the past
And the idiosyncrasy of the present
The heart of the city still remains the center of art and culture
On an international level
But with that typical Amsterdam allure.
Yet, fewer and fewer locals visit this colorful city area.
That's why the neighborhoods’ cultural institutions start collaborating.
As a collective ‘Culturele Wallen’ makes culture visible, art tangible, and fringes palpable
So the creative heart of the city
Can beat once again.
Highlights May 2025
Museum Rembrandthuis
On an adventure with Kwast
In the free multimedia tour, children help create Rembrandt’s largest painting ever. They are assisted by Rembrandt’s little dog, Kwast. Everyone receives a small gift at the end.
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder
Attic Masses
1st Sunday of the month
(except July & August), 9:30
Everyone is warmly welcome to attend the Catholic Mass on Sunday in the attic church. The Attic Masses begin at 10:00.
Vlaams Cultuurhuis de Brakke Grond
What Cannot Be Held: Contemporary Voices from Belgian Art
until 13 July
Discover the vulnerability of humanity in a changing world. Eleven artists reflect on identity, social relationships, and fragility. Walk in for free!
Frascati
Micha Wertheim Festival
13 – 17 May
Curious about the work of Volker Gerling, Noam Shuster-Eliassi, Mark Thomas, Hanina Ajarai, and Fahima Ettaher? In the mood for a Gaga workshop? Come to the Micha Wertheim Festival!
W139
PPP
Sunflower Soup
23 May – 27 July
Art collective Sunflower Soup kicks off the PPP: a Political Party for Potatoes, Parsnips, Peas, Carrots, and other beings. PPP transforms W139 into an open workspace where everyone is welcome to create and share!
Oude Kerk
Kimsooja: To Breathe – Mokum
24 May – 9 November
World-renowned artist Kimsooja presents a new large-scale installation in the Oude Kerk. An exhibition about migration, being on the move, and finding home.
Huis De Pinto
Caribbean Salon
25 May, 15:00
Wim Rutgers (Dutch-Caribbean literary historian) will talk about Curaçao’s greatest poet, Pierre Lauffer (1920–1981).
Waag Futurelab
Waag Open: Fungateria
5 June, 19:30 – 22:00
Playfully imagine the future of living mushrooms as a building material for architecture.
Partners
Huis De Pinto
The over four-century-old Huis De Pinto was the street's only building saved from demolition in the 1970s. When the new metro line was built. It's no wonder this beautiful building is now called 'the best-kept treasure of the neighborhood.' The ground floor of Huis De Pinto is open six days a week for anyone who wants to leisurely read a newspaper or magazine from the selection. There is a silent study and swap-library with books that can be exchanged. Additionally, there are regular concerts, film screenings, lectures, exhibitions, and art projects. The upstairs houses Waag Future Labs office, which hosts its events and activities at the Waag.
More informationMuseum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder is hidden in a centuries-old canal house and is one of the city's best-kept secrets. The exceptionally well-preserved building has an impressive church in the attic that can be visited daily. This forms the heart of the collection and tells the story of the ‘hidden house churches’ of that time. Most people come here to see how people lived, worked, and worshiped from the 17th century onward. However, it is not widely known that weddings can still take place at this unique location.
More informationOude Kerk
The Oude Kerk presents leading contemporary art in the oldest building in Amsterdam. By invitation, artists and musicians create new work that can only be seen and heard here, just this once. In addition, there is an extensive public programme with concerts, guided tours, and performances.
More informationFrascati
Frascati is a unique theater and production house that provides space for progressive and innovative creators in their development into independent performing artists. Besides four theaters in the Nes, Frascati also has the most delightful mini neighborhood theater in Amsterdam: Theater van Deyssel in Nieuw-West.
More informationVlaams Cultuurhuis de Brakke Grond
At de Brakke Grond, you come for innovative Flemish art. De Brakke Grond has expanded from a stage into a network organization, actively seeking connections with the Dutch and international art world. De Brakke Grond initiates programs and collaborations in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, and music. They continually seek, facilitate, or create the right 'context' for Flemish artists and connect them with the Dutch field. What not everyone knows is that you can also enjoy delicious food and drinks at the Eetcafé.
More informationMuseum Rembrandthuis
The Rembrandt House on Jodenbreestraat was the home of Rembrandt van Rijn lived. Here, in the heart of Amsterdam, he lived and worked for nineteen years. He experienced joys and sorrows, collected art and curiosities from around the world, trained his students, received his clients, and created his masterpieces. Nearly 400 years later, Museum Rembrandthuis is the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to Rembrandt. It feels as if you are literally visiting this great Dutch Master. You can't get much closer.
More informationW139
W139 has been a leading place for contemporary experimental art in the heart of Amsterdam for 44 years. Since artists squatted the building in 1979, W139 has remained an activist community. Here, artists have the space to take risks and create new things. W139 responds to current issues with exhibitions, events, and projects, making major social themes accessible. For everyone.
More informationWaag Futurelab
Waag Futurelab has been operating at the intersection of art, science, and technology for 30 years. Every month, Waag hosts a variety of workshops and performances where artists, creators and visitors come together to explore technology.
More information
About us
Culturele Wallen is a collective that unites the cultural gems of Amsterdam’s historic city heart. Through enhanced visibility, collaborative energy, and inventive partnerships, the neighborhood regains its creative identity and artistic soul. Once again, locals are drawn to this vibrant and creative part of the city.