Hidden Treasures

 

In 2008 Amsterdam will be revealing its greatest secrets during the theme year ‘Amsterdam Hidden Treasures’. The city has many undiscovered places and special events very much worth visiting. Unique museums, creative events, historical treasures and trendsetting architecture and design are all waiting to be explored by you. Go and enjoy the many cultural jewels Amsterdam has to offer!

Museums
A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to one of the world-renowned museums the city is home to. Famous works by Dutch masters grace the walls of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. But Amsterdam also offers many hidden treasures which can be discovered off the beaten track. Visit the secret attic church ‘Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder’ (Our Lord in the Attic), which was built during the Reformation when Catholics were forbidden to hold public services. Tucked away in the attic of a 17th century merchant house on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal you can now delve through the narrow passageways, stairways and tiny nooks to uncover splendid works of art, ornate furniture and an atmosphere that will whisk you back in time.

Performance
Amsterdam is a dynamic platform for talent. In addition to major concert halls such as Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Paradiso, Heineken Music Hall and Concertgebouw, the city is home to several unconventional festivals and venues where the big names perform – before they get big. Cocooned in the midst of the green lush of the Westerpark you will find the vibrant Westergas Culture Park which is located on the terrain of a former coal gas factory. The various buildings from 1883 all inhabit new creative functions. The culture park is home to a progressive night club (Flex Bar), a cinema (Het Ketelhuis), a culinary design studio (Proef) and a variety of cultural and culinary establishments. Several events are held here throughout the year, including Fashion Week, the arts fair, concerts (Radiohead, R.E.M., Mika) and the children’s film festival, Cinekid. Visit www.westergasfabriek.nl for an update of all activities and events.

City History
Amsterdam has an abundance of history, and this is reflected in its many monumental buildings. The Royal Palace on Dam Square, the Nieuwe Kerk and the ring of canals all lay before you as you stroll through the city. But a city this rich in history is bound to hold some fascinating secrets. Nestled behind the regal facades and ornate gables are countless courtyards built during the 17th century to house elderly widows. Today they still remain a serene oasis frozen in time. Most famous is the Begijnhof which was originally inhabited by religious women who didn’t want to enter a convent. Located in the city centre near the busy Kalverstreet you would walk just by this unique place if you do not know which door to open. Truly a hidden treasure!

Fashion & Design
A breeding ground for creativity, Amsterdam is without doubt one of the leading design cities in the world. Whether it is industrial design, graphic design, fashion or architecture, the city never ceases to produce new talents and ideas. Amsterdam Fashion Week takes place twice a year and the annual design month, Amsterdam Design, is held in September. In the area surrounding the river IJ, there has been considerable development over the last years. You can discover the new treasures of this Eastern Harbour area during an Architecture & Design walking tour, which is available at the information offices of the Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board.

For more information about all the hidden treasures of Amsterdam
Website: www.amsterdamhiddentreasures.nl