Culture

Introduction

Amsterdam has always had a vibrant and varied cultural scene but over the last few decades it has blossomed, thanks to a renewed interest in Dutch culture. Amsterdam is a musical city, offering a range of musical styles from street performers and carillons (bell towers) to the more highbrow midday and evening performances in the Concertgebouw, which is noted for its superb acoustics.

On most summer evenings, it is possible for punters to attend an organ concert or a recital of baroque chamber music in one of Amsterdam's magnificent old churches, such as Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk.

Tickets to cultural events can be booked through Amsterdams Uitburo, Leidseplein 26 (tel: (020) 621 1311; www.amsterdamsuitburo.nl).

Music and Dance

Concertgebouw (Concert Hall)
The Concertgebouw is not only home to the world-famous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Mariss Jansons, but also plays host to visiting companies and international soloists. Free concerts take place in either the Grote Zaal (Great Hall) or Kleine Zaal (Recital Hall) of the Concertgebouw, on Wednesdays 1230-1300.

Concertgebouwplein 10
Tel: 0900 671 8345.
Website: www.concertgebouw.nl 

Muziektheater (Opera House)
The Muziektheater is home to the Dutch National Ballet, considered one of the best and most versatile companies in Western Europe, and the Netherlands Opera. The world-famous theatre also plays host to the Netherlands Dance Theatre, Holland's other world-class ballet company, as well as foreign companies. Situated on a curve of the Amstel, in the heart of the city, this cultural landmark is, despite its size (it can seat 1,600), amazingly intimate.

Amstel 3
Tel: (020) 551 8117.
Website: www.muziektheater.nl

Theatre

Koninklijk Theater Carré (Royal Theatre Carré)
Koninklijk Theater Carré is Amsterdam's most famous theatre, formerly home to a circus. Musicals and cabaret find a home in the Theater Carré, situated on the River Amstel, and in the nearby Kleine Komedie (www.dekleinekomedie.nl), a charming little theatre dating back to 1786. 

Amstel 115-125
Tel: (020) 252 5255.
Website: www.theatercarre.nl

Stadsschouwburg (Municipal Theatre)
Located on the popular Leidseplein, the Stadsschouwburg is an impressive 19th-century building that often stages English-language theatre productions, as well as dance performances. Numerous lively restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood are perfect for before or after performance refreshments.

Leidseplein 26
Tel: (020) 624 2311.
Website: www.stadsschouwburgamsterdam.nl

Film

Tuschinski
Amsterdam is also known for its arty cinemas. The art deco Tuschinski shows films from all over the world. Films are rarely dubbed into Dutch but are shown in the original language with subtitles.

Reguliersbreestraat 26-34
Tel: 0900 1458.
Website: www.pathe.nl/tuschinski