STRAAT MUSEUM, AMSTERDAM

I’m currently on the Eurostar heading home to London, after a lovely few days away celebrating my birthday in Amsterdam.

One of my favorite things about the city, is how inclusive and non judgmental it is (in comparison to London). Despite how busy it feels, (bikes, trams, pedestrians, cars) there’s a level of calmness amongst the chaos. An example: cyclists in Holland smile at pedestrians and move out of their way, despite us being in their designated bike lane..cyclists in London, however are a completely different beast, no smiles just, “GET OUT THE FUCKING ROAD!!” And that’s when you’re crossing at a green man!!! I digress …

On my actual birthday, I wanted to spend the morning visiting Amsterdam’s Straat Museum, an industrial space dedicated to street art and graffiti. Situated in a former shipyard on the north side of the city, it’s raw and full of energy. The moment we walked in, the sheer scale was breathtaking, it’s full of enormous murals installed from floor to ceiling.

The Straat doesn’t present street art as something you have to decode or intellectualise, instead it invites you in.. evident to me, as I watched in awe of my husband walking around, taking photographs and seeing his animated face when he saw pieces that he thought were creatively genius. 

The mix of artists is global, with big names alongside newer voices, again making the space feel welcoming to everyone. 

There’s something so grounding about seeing pieces that were made to live in public; wether that be walls, bridges, shutters - given space to be seen up close, with time to pause and notice the details you’d otherwise rush past.

Upon reflection, street art has always been about accessibility, its for everyone, everywhere - the same messaging that I’m championing within the art space.

Additional “YESSSSSSS OTTO!” Vibes when I spotted his ‘David and Goliath’ piece, included in the exhibition. Just like out on the roads, when I spot a familiar artist’s work - it gave me all of the happy/proud feels.

Planning your visit

Location: NDSM Wharf, on the north side of Amsterdam. You can reach it with a short, free ferry from behind Central Station.

Opening Hours: Open daily, 10am-6pm

Tickets: Around 19.50 for adults, concessions available

Website: https://straatmuseum.com/en

Street artists, you are encouraged to paint on the exterior gallery walls. They also have a huge selection of spray cans for sale in the gift shop.

Enjoy!

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