The Netherlands is a land of art and museums. From the Frans Hals and Van Gogh Museums to the Rembrandt House, visitors come each year to admire their genius.

But how many of us ever pause to ask these questions: where are the works of female painters from the Dutch Renaissance and the Golden Age?

How come Dutch museums are only named after famous male painters, and why does nobody ever talk about these women?

An erased legacy displayed in today’s museums

The very first art critics in the (Dutch) Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age eras often made fun of female painters. “Women paint with their brushes between their toes,” one infamously said.

We are all often in awe of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and Vermeer’s Milkmaid, but I’m sure that there aren’t many people who know the name of a single female painter from that era.

It’s almost as if their legacy has been completely erased from the history books.

Only 13% of art pieces displayed in today’s museums were made by a woman. Only 2% of the art market’s turnover is spent on artworks by female painters. And 10% of international galleries do not represent any women at all.

Alarming figures regularly crop up about the underrepresentation of women in art and not much has been done to change things.

For centuries, women were excluded from the art world in all kinds of ways, yet a number of them managed to become highly esteemed painters, despite the many obstacles they encountered.

Female invisibility in a patriarchal society

A comment you often hear is: “If there are no famous female painters, maybe it’s because they were just not good enough.”

But, the reason why there are so few female painters does not necessarily lie with women not being good enough, but with a patriarchal society that sought to shackle them with repressive social standards.

READ MORE | 11 kick-ass Dutch women you should know about this International Women’s Day

The difference between men and women was very clear in the Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age eras: men were allowed to get an education, chase careers, and be successful, while women were forced to stay at home.

This meant that women were actually not visible in society. They were mainly expected to stay indoors to take care of the household and the children.

Although male painters liked and regularly depicted women on their canvases, it was not socially acceptable for women to practice the profession themselves.

Everything was aimed at excluding them from painting as much as possible. They had less access to education, were not allowed to study nude models to gain knowledge of human anatomy, and were banned from art schools.

This made it extremely difficult for women to learn to paint at a high level.

Against all odds

Considering all these obstacles, it is truly a miracle that there have been women who succeeded in becoming quality painters. This often had to do with the fact that they received a lot of support from their families.

Although the purpose was not for them to make a career, especially in the eclectic world of art, there were still parents who supported their daughters in developing their artistic talent.

Many of the well-known female painters had fathers who were painters, so they were lucky to learn the tricks of the trade from childhood by observing them in their studios.

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Others came from well-to-do families and had the means to afford the costly affair of apprenticing to a painter.

As a result, women depended very much on the wealth and approval of their fathers or male guardians for their art education.

This explains why famous female painters in the Renaissance and Golden Age eras were so rare. The freedom and opportunity to develop as a painter belonged exclusively to privileged women.

Yet, their guts, talent, and perseverance must also be praised. By embarking on a career as painters, these women went against the prevailing norms of how a woman was supposed to behave.

By taking the plunge and going for their passion, they lifted painting to a higher level.

Dutch women painters of the 17th century

In the Netherlands, female painters played an important role in the development of art. Still-life painting, a genre typical of the Low Countries, was mostly mastered by women of this era.

Three women painters stood out.

Maria van Oosterwijck

Maria van Oosterwijck (1630-1693) came from a family of painters but did not become an apprentice until she was thirty.

In 1666, Maria moved to Amsterdam, where she became an assistant to still-life painter Willem van Aelst. At his studio, Maria developed into a painter of international repute.

She was best known for her highly detailed still-life flowers and often went to the Hortus Botanicus in search of rare flowers to immortalize.

Her works were highly sought after and sold to heads of state and noblemen, from King Louis XIV and Emperor Leopold I of Austria, to Cosimo de Medici and William III of England.

On December 28, 1667, the Florentine Prince, Cosimo III de Medici said that her still-lifes were just as good as those of the renowned Van Aelst.

When Cosimo III also bought two paintings from her after his second trip to Holland in 1669, Maria became a household name in the art world.

While many painters in Amsterdam and elsewhere struggled to keep their heads above water between 1680 and 1690, Maria’s reputation and the general appreciation for her work remained high, even in the highest European circles.

In 1684, Jan III Sobieski, King of Poland, bought three paintings from her for the capital sum of 2,400 guilders.

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When Johann Georg III, Elector of Saxony, visited The Hague on a trip in 1688 and saw three of her paintings, he was so impressed he bought them for 1500 guilders.

Louis XIV (the Sun King) also had one of her paintings in his “art cabinet”.

Through Constantijn Huygens’ intervention, King-Stadtholder William III and his wife Maria Stuart acquired two paintings from Maria in 1689, one for the price of nine hundred guilders. Both paintings are still part of the English Royal Collection at Hampton Court in London.

Thanks to her art sales, Maria was able to buy a house on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht where she trained other female painters, including her former maid Geertje Pieters and another very talented pupil of Willem van Aelst: Rachel Ruysch.

Constantijn Huygens wrote a poem about Maria in 1677, saying: “Maria van Oosterwijck stands at a rare height and has no equal.”

In 1690, at sixty years of age, Maria withdrew from the painting world.

She moved to Uitdam to live with her nephew Jacobus van Assendelft, who had become a preacher in 1688. She died three years after the move.

In the past two centuries, interest in her paintings has declined somewhat, but presently, her works are attracting more attention again and are sold for high prices.

Rachel Ruysch

Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750) grew up in a rather interesting family.

Her father was a well-known anatomist who owned a large collection of rare flora and fauna. Her mother’s family consisted of many painters, as a result of which she came into contact with painting as well as with animals and plants from an early age.

She showed so much talent as a still-life painter that her parents decided to send her to become an apprentice to Willem van Aelst. It is quite possible that her training was largely carried out by Maria van Oosterwijck.

Rachel preferred to paint woodland grounds and compositions with flowers. Because flowers were an immensely popular motive in the Netherlands during the Golden Age, her lively, colourful works soon started to draw attention.

Her paintings sold for such high prices that she could live comfortably by making only a few works per year.

In the summer of 1695, Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatinate, visited Frederik Ruysch’s museum. On that occasion, he doubtlessly also saw the paintings of Rachel, who was now married to the painter Jurriaan Pool.

She had just given birth to her first child, but motherhood did not prevent her from continuing her career as a painter.

At this point in her career, she had become very famous and successful and in 1699 was offered membership into the Confrerie Pictura in The Hague as recognition for her contributions to art.

She was the first woman to receive this honour. As a mother of ten children, she must have had a very busy life, but nevertheless, she continued to paint until her death at the proud age of 86.

Judith Leyster

Although women like Maria van Oosterwijck and Rachel Ruysch had a great influence in the painting world, there is one woman who managed to make quite a big impression.

In 1633, Judith Leyster (1609-1660) was the first woman in the Western world to be recognized as a master painter.

It is quite a mystery how she developed into a painter since she did not come from an artistic family.

At the age of nineteen, she was already known in her hometown of Haarlem as a highly talented, young woman that could compete with the best male painters of her time.

In 1633, she was admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke of Artisans, making her the first woman to be recognised as a master painter.

Her style is very similar to that of Frans Hals and some of her works were once wrongly assigned to him.

Since Judith signed her works with only the letter “J”, it was also rumoured that Frans Hals might have had an unknown brother by the name of Jan.

Leyster specialised in painting cheerful genre scenes. The people in her works often have vivid facial expressions and casual poses.

As far as is known, Judith Leyster is the only woman who made paintings of modern figures, instead of mythological and Biblical scenes.

Unfortunately, very few of her paintings have survived, probably because she only worked as a painter for a relatively short period of time.

In 1635, she married the painter Jan Molenaer, after which she left the art world. Eighteen paintings are attributed to her with certainty. These works largely date from the period 1628-1635.

In 2016, one of her self-portraits surfaced, probably dating from 1653. The painting was auctioned for half a million euros.

Leyster’s works can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Mauritshuis, the National Gallery in London, the Frans Hals Museum, and Museum Boerhaave.

Passion for art and revolution

These female painters were a rarity in a world that left little room for women to develop their talents. They were not supposed to have had the careers they carved out for themselves.

Yet, some of them dared to take the revolutionary step towards an “unconventional” life as professional painters.

These women often found themselves in an environment where they were encouraged to develop themselves, such as a progressive monastery or a family that offered support.

The vast majority of these female painters have long disappeared from our history books, but thanks to feminist historical research, they are increasingly being ‘rediscovered’ today.

READ MORE | The museum town of the Netherlands: 14 great museums to visit in Leiden

The growing attention provides for new exhibitions that demonstrate the importance of these women for painting.

More museums in the Netherlands, Europe, and the world need to have exhibitions showcasing their paintings and telling the story of how much they have contributed to the art world.

I hope we get to a point where little children can learn about these wonderful women just as much as they are taught about van Gogh or Rembrandt.

And that museums are opened and named after them, and their genius works of art are displayed with pride for all to see, enjoy, and admire. They deserve to be celebrated and not forgotten.

Which female Dutch painter is your favourite? Have you ever seen their work in a museum? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.

Feature Image: rijksmuseum.nl/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Tilburg’s TextielMuseum has done it again: the unique museum of textiles is bringing us another fascinating exhibit! “Is it alive?” can be seen between 14 October 2023 and 7 April 2024!

What’s this all about, you ask? The simple answer: life! But of course, there’s much more to it. Let’s check it out.

Is what alive?

Before you screech in fear, don’t worry, this isn’t some display about scary critters and crawlies — the artwork isn’t actually alive.

“Is it alive?” is shown at Tilburg’s unique TextielMuseum, which, as the name suggests, centres around the world of textiles. The exhibition showcases fascinating textile artworks which are inspired by the processes and movements of nature. 

One of the exhibit’s artists, Lonneke Gordijn from DRIFT, tells the curators that “if you look closely at how things in nature are constructed — it’s so complicated and so logical — it makes you wonder if nature is not the high-tech part in our world.”

It’s exactly this premise that’s at the heart of “Is it alive?”, which brings textiles to life with the use of fascinating modern technologies. 

The result? A unique exhibition that combines innovation, textiles, technology and art.

I’m intrigued, tell me more! 

Curious about what you can actually see during this exhibition? Let’s have a look at what awaits you.

The centrepiece of the exhibit is a piece called “I am Storm” by the artistic duo DRIFT, made up of Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta. 

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #13: be innovative (and not be shy about it) 

This new installation is making its premiere during “Is it alive?”, and consists of some 20 larger-than-life-size stems that bounce in the imaginary wind.

On top of that, the TextielMuseum will showcase spectacular “living architecture” by Philip Beesley, interactive works by Bart Hess, and the impressive works of fashion designer Iris van Herpen, as well as Tanja Smeets.

More than art — dive into the research

The artworks displayed during the “Is it alive?” exhibit are not your average pieces of art. 

In fact, there’s plenty of scientific research that went into them, and each piece is as innovative as it is fascinating. 

READ MORE | 7 innovative Dutch projects for a sustainable future

Parts of the technique behind the “I am storm” installation, for example, are the result of intricate research conducted by the TextielMuseum’s very own textile lab. 

Similarly, Philip Beesley’s prototype of the “Poietic Veil Tilburg” was created in collaboration with the renowned TU Delft. It’s the glorious result of the collaborative research effort between the artist and students from the university. Heel impressive!

Want to learn more about this unique making-of process? Dat kan! 

Yup, “Is it alive?” not only showcases the artworks themselves but also takes visitors through their process of creation — “revealing that artists are sometimes inventors and can drive innovation”.

 Curious to see this unique art exhibition yourself? Here’s all you need to know:

We’ll see you there!

What are you most excited to see at the TextielMuseum? Tell us in the comments!

Whether you’re looking to escape the cold, want to learn about African culture, or doing research for your African Studies major — it’s time to head over to Wereldmuseum Leiden!

Why? The Leiden-based ethnology museum has unveiled “In Brilliant Light”, a spectacular new exhibit focusing on African art, culture and history.

With “In Brilliant Light”, curators have created a platform for artists from Africa and its diaspora. The space lets visitors immerse themselves in the richness of African cultures — right in the heart of Leiden.

Welkom to Wereldmuseum Leiden

Wereldmuseum Leiden, formerly known as Museum Volkenkunde, is the place to be for all things ethnology, anthropology, and world cultures. It’s definitely a must-see when you visit the city.

As the pros in all things ethnology, you can be sure that “In Brilliant Light” will be nothing short of, well, brilliant! 

Oh, and the best part? Entrance is free for children between 0 and 5 and museum card holders, and reduced for students.

African art ‘in brilliant light’

So, what exactly is “In Brilliant Light” about? Just like African art, the exhibition is diverse, rich, and culturally significant. 

The exhibit guides you through eight different sections containing breathtaking artworks that reflect on the heritage of their artists and the world around them. 

It features not only a whopping 32 artists from Africa and its diaspora, but also does a wonderful job of shedding light on both historical and contemporary events that influence African culture and society.

Themes addressed include post-colonialism, power, globalisation, change, emancipation and spirituality.

From Africa to the diaspora

The talented artists featured in “In Brilliant Light” reflect on their African homeland and their — voluntary or involuntary — movement away from it.

Their art showcases the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions that are native to the African continent and its people while simultaneously illustrating what connects them with the rest of the world. 

As a consequence of the African diaspora, we recognise common themes, influences, and even materials that spread across the artworks. 

Unique forms of artistic traditions that range from tapestry weaving to woodcarving are showcased as artists draw inspiration from their countries’ history, heritage, folklore and spiritual traditions and share them with the world.

Relating to cultural history

While “In Brilliant Light” displays contemporary art, the exhibition also reflects on the rich and sometimes very complex African cultural history.

Colonialism, which undoubtedly had a very significant influence on African culture, is a theme that is omnipresent in “In Brilliant Light”. 

One thing that many African people share, regardless of whether they are on the continent or not, is a sense of identity loss — finding themselves stuck between their strong cultural ties and their projected future. 

This is addressed in one of the exhibition’s central artworks. 

Johnson Eziefula’s “Birth of the Self” was created specifically for “In Brilliant Light” and depicts a young man standing at a crossroads, realising that, depending on the path he chooses, his life will change drastically.

Creating new perspectives 

One sign in the exhibition reads: “In the 1950s and 1960s, almost all African countries [became] independent, [and] African artists emerge[d] as important agents of change.” 

Transformation is another major theme addressed in “In Brilliant Light”, illustrating how artists use their craft to reshape history and claim their heritage through their artistic expression.

Inspiration is often found in the idea of new worlds and shared dreams for a new society. 

With this, art becomes a form of emancipation, allowing artists to develop a new cultural identity, new perspectives, and new visions in a post-colonial world.

Want to know more?

Great! You can see “In Brilliant Light” at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden until October 31, 2024. Let’s give you all the details you need:

Will you check out “In Brilliant Light”? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Grab some friends who need a mind-blowing experience because, at Wereldmuseum Leiden’s exciting exhibit, you can explore the borders of the body and mind, history, and the stars — and how this can be mapped out in front of your eyes.

Yep, we’re talking maps — but trust us, these aren’t just any ordinary maps. Wereldmuseum Leiden’s latest exhibit, Maps: Navigate and Manipulate, showcases some of history’s mind-bending cartographical endeavours. 

These historical gems are displayed alongside beautiful modern installations that add to the spectacle and narrative of the exhibit. 

READ MORE | Let your kids run wild this summer at Wereldmuseum Leiden’s Animal Academy! 

Whether you’re looking to expand your mind or enjoy an absolute spectacle, this is the perfect place to point your compass. 

Maps: navigate and manipulate — what’s Wereldmuseum Leiden’s exhibit about? 

So, what are you signing up for exactly? Maps have played an important role throughout the existence of humankind. They have defined borders, social constructs, and, as a result, history. 

The goal behind Wereld Museum Leiden’s exhibit is simple — to explore the phenomenon of maps and prove that they are much more than “just” a drawing of geographical borders.

Begin by asking yourself: What is a map? 

I originally went into this exhibit thinking I had a good grip on the definition of a map. 

However, with the help of UB Leiden and some very talented contemporary artists, Wereldmuseum Leiden quickly turned this definition on its head — and then proceeded to bend, break, and mould my mind like a piece of playdough on a hot day. 

READ MORE | The museum town of the Netherlands: 14 great museums to visit in Leiden

As it turns out, a map is not just a series of squiggly lines depicting the world’s borders. In fact, I was quick to learn that a map can depict celestial bodies. 

And who says a map can just depict space? It turns out it can also be used to map out time.  

Looking for a map of all the important historical moments that have occurred throughout humanity? This exhibit has one (and your screen will break if we show it to you). 

Space and time aside, what about the mind? Yep, there’s a map for that. Specifically, it’s a truly hilarious (and relatable) map of the autistic mind. 

Feel your mind bend with beautiful installations 

Feeling your mind flip upside down? Welcome to the club. Not only will your mind be turned inside out by these beautiful maps, but also through stunning (and trippy) light installations by talented contemporary artists. 

For example, the Seven Sisters installation offers a beautiful journey into the Australian story of the constellations. You can follow the tale of female ancestral beings running from a mythological creature through gorgeous graphics.  

Then, it’s time to explore and redefine borders

Now that your mind has been blown, we move to the second part of the exhibit’s journey. It’s time to manipulate and explore the redefinition of borders. 

History buffs will be very happy at this point of the exhibit, which offers a series of pre and postcolonial maps. 

Here, you can examine and manipulate the shift in maps’ borders throughout history and understand the far-reaching effects of these moving lines. 

READ MORE | What was the VOC? The Dutch East India Company explained

History is not just examined on a geographical map, however. Contemporary artist Faisel Saro has also added something special to the exhibit: the history of his family — all mapped out on a depiction of his body.  

Perfect for dates, dilly-dallying, and general mind-bending

Whether you’re looking for the perfect date spot, something to show off to visiting friends or simply somewhere to hide away from Dutch autumn weather, we recommend this exhibit. 

Ready to explore Wereldmuseum Leiden’s latest exhibit for yourself? You can find tickets on their website or rock up and purchase some at the entrance!

Have you journeyed to this exciting exhibit? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Which light festivals in the Netherlands are happening, and where and when? (let us enLIGHTEN you).

More often than not, when it gets to wintertime, we tend to stay indoors. In the mornings, we cling to our beds, desperately grappling for a few extra minutes.

In the evenings, we might stay out late in a cosy bar or a cinema somewhere (or curl up in the foetal position next to the fire), but did you know you could be spending some of the country’s darkest months wandering the streets of a brilliantly illuminated city?

Amsterdam Light Festival

When: November 30, 2023 — January 21, 2024

Every December, the capital city comes alive in an eruption of light and colour.

As if Dutch canals weren’t already beautiful enough, there are loads of light sculptures and installations to see.

You’ll always find some along the River Amstel and at the central Canal Ring, so a great way to experience the festival is by boat.

You can opt to have a guide or an audio tour as you cruise along if you like.

If you live here and have paddled down the canals plenty of times, then it’s probably best just to go for an evening cycle or a relaxed stroll.

You can get nice and close to all the artworks and at the same time be on the lookout for any events going on (there are some places — museums, theatres, restaurants and shops — that love to get involved).

It’s the perfect atmosphere for the festive season, but if you want to come after Christmas or New Year, the light party continues well into January. It’ll certainly cheer you up if you’re one for post-holiday blues.

Gouda bij Kaarslicht

When: December 15, 2023

Every year, the heart of Gouda switches off its electric lights and illuminates itself with hundreds of thousands of candles.

The programme will feature live music, community singing, and a Christmas story — so if you’re trying to get into the holiday spirit, you definitely want to give this a go!

De Lumineuze Nachten

When: December 7, 2023 — January 7, 2024

Set in the largest, most luxurious castle in the Netherlands — Kasteel de Haar — this promises to be an event full of magic and wonder!

The Lumineuze Nachten, or Luminous Nights, is a series of evening walks through the grounds and castle, featuring enchanting illuminations and historical stories.

Magical Maastricht

When: November 30 — December 31, 2023

Funfairs, festive food and fairy lights: what more could you want?

Magical Maastricht is a lovely light route which runs every December for the Christmas season, perfect timing for buying cute presents for someone you love.

Even if the ice rink, Ferris wheel and Santa’s Grotto in Vrijthof Square aren’t for you, you’ll certainly be lured in by a variety of bars and cafes.

Don’t forget to pass the market stalls on the way, though — you might see something you’d like to try (just imagine cradling that comforting hot chocolate or nibbling on a pastry as you gaze up at the surrounding luminescent trees ).

Whatever you do, be prepared to leave positively enchanted!

Trajectum Lumen Utrecht

When: October 21, 2023 — March 30, 2024

From sunset until midnight every Saturday, you can follow a trail of light art through Utrecht’s historical city centre.

Since 2010, the Trajectum Lumen route has featured wicked light installations by distinguished national and international light artists.

If you follow the drop trail light on the ground, you’ll eventually see buildings and bridges lit up in cool and creative ways.

It might make you think differently about what you’d normally overlook — a basic brick wall or a dingy alleyway, for example.

Can you see it all in one night? Of course!

The entire walk can be done in about 1.5 hours, but if you want to take your time and maybe pop in a few bars en route, then it’ll obviously take longer.

Fjoertoer Egmond

When: November 24 and 25, 2023

The Fjoertoer Egmond is a night walk featuring a display of light and fire.

There are routes of differing distances (14 kilometres, 19 kilometres north and south, and a whopping 26 kilometres) to ensure that the whole family can keep up!

Translation: “Show up well prepared at the start? Come and enjoy the Fjoertoer Meal in Hotel Zuiderduin before your walk From 14.00 to 19.00 you can enjoy a fjoertastic meal! Everything you need to get through this magical journey! Book your meal now ”

You’ll wander through entrancing sights till you’ve looped back around to the beach entrance at Egmond aan Zee.

And to top all of that off, there’ll be a Lighthouse Party open to all participants afterwards!

GLOW Eindhoven

When: November 11 — 18, 2023

GLOW Eindhoven festival is a completely free event in the Dutch city of light, Eindhoven.

It allows you to witness innovative, unique works of art from artists who play with this year’s theme, “Urban Skin.”

There’s a route you can follow, so why not check it out for yourself?

Eindhoven is known as the City of Light since the match industry was established in 1870, and Philips’ incandescent bulb factory was opened in 1891.

In fact, GLOW Eindhoven is in the top five of the most visited light festivals in the world.

Along with established light artists from across the globe, GLOW makes room for local light projects and young developing talent.

Scheveningen Light Walk

When: December 9, 2023

This December, Scheveningen will come alive for thousands of walkers to follow a magical route through the city and beach.

Participants will be treated to captivating light displays, various musical acts, and seasonal refreshments.

You can register for routes of differing lengths (7.5 kilometres, 12 kilometres, or 18 kilometres), so there’s one for everyone! The 7.5 kilometres route even has two start times so that families with children can enjoy this entrancing light show and get their little ones in bed on time!

After the walk, all participants will be invited to have a celebratory drink at De Pier. This also includes Pier Tasting, where a number of restaurants have their delicacies on offer!

Nederlands Ijsbeelden Festival

When: December 16, 2023 — February 25, 2024

This entrancing festival in Zwolle features ice sculptures crafted by the best artists in the world!

These talented artists will translate the theme of “What a Wonderful World” into ice sculptures over six metres high.

If you’re in the mood for a fabulous display of lights and artistry, you don’t want to miss out on this festival!

De Grote Schijn

When: October 12, 2023 — October 29, 2024

It’s Halloween season, and you want to intentionally give yourself the heebie-jeebies because, well, it’s fun!

Translation: “Now that the trees are decorating the forest with colourful leaves there are also fewer and fewer tickets for De Grote Schijn! Whoever wants to be amazed this fall, don’t wait too long. Do you have your tickets yet? For more information and tickets visit www.degroteschijn.nl.”

In order to get into that cosy autumnal spirit, how about embarking on a two-kilometre-long trek through the dark woods?

Come along for this joy ride of nature-meets-music-meets-technology. The bright light projections will titillate, and the audiovisual guide will mesmerize, and the trees will seem like they’re talking to you.

We hope you enjoy these light festivals on offer here in the Netherlands. They really are a joy to behold.

Have you been to any before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published November 2018, but was fully updated in October 2023 with all the latest information and dates. 

Urban exploration, shortened to urbex, means going around your city and finding places to explore that are way off the beaten path, usually only known by locals.

Industrial sites, abandoned buildings, old tunnels—you name it. Urban exploration will bring you as much as your curiosity allows you, so bring a flashlight, a camera, and a buddy, and get out there to explore!

What is Urbex exactly?

Truth be told, we don’t know exactly when urban exploration began. Curious people must have been exploring the unexplored for a long time.

However, urban exploring as we know it today started with the advent of the World Wide Web. With like-minded people finding it easier to connect through the internet, an online subculture dedicated to urban exploration emerged.

Initially as obscure as the very places urban explorers went to, urbex has now become more mainstream, with plenty of blogs dedicated to this hobby.

The basics of urban exploring in the Netherlands

The thing about urban exploring is that you’re not really sightseeing the most famous locales in a city. Quite the opposite — you’re out to find the most hidden places you could possibly go to.

Especially when it comes to going urban exploring in abandoned buildings, there are some norms you should keep in mind.

An often-used quote describing what your aim is when going out to explore is to “take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.”

READ MORE | A guide to 6 streets to explore in Utrecht (that you maybe didn’t know about)

Abandoned places bring all sorts of visitors. From homeless people to teenagers out to vandalise the walls, you’ll find remnants of past visitors in the buildings.

That’s why it’s important to bring a friend with you, in case something goes wrong. You are, after all, entering places that are not exactly structurally sound, so caution needs to be exercised when exploring.

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to consider bringing a mask as well. Especially if you’re exploring disused tunnels or any underground location, you’ll run into mould and a lot of dust, so it’s best you protect your lungs from them.

Is it legal to go urban exploring in the Netherlands?

Well, technically, not. While urban exploring, you are also more than likely trespassing on private property. In all honesty, that is also part of the thrill of urban exploring.

Now, the chances of you getting caught or fined really depend on what you’re (urban) exploring. Going to explore some tiny cabin in a rural area? Chances are that no one will be bothered by it. Going into an abandoned military base? You might run into some guards.

Intention also matters. If a guard runs into you and your buddy and you both have a camera around your necks, it will be quite obvious that you’re just out there to explore and take photos, nothing else.

READ MORE | Nature in Tilburg: 11 gorgeous green places for you to explore around Tilburg

Now, the best way to make sure you’re not screwing something up is to make sure that you are not breaking and entering. So if you find a locked door, try not to force it open. If the door or entrance is wide open, you can allow yourself inside.

Alternatively, if you want to explore a place and it’s locked, you can go the legal way by requesting permission from the local municipality (Gemeente) to go inside for the purpose of documenting the site. They should be more than happy to help if you set your intentions clearly.

Another thing to consider is that not all urban exploring needs to necessarily be in abandoned places. Urban exploring can also be done legally, in places that were abandoned for some time and since repurposed, or generally in areas that are away from the shiny touristic attractions.

Urban exploration in the Netherlands

The issue about urbex in the Netherlands is that the Dutch are known for their efficient usage of space. This means that places don’t stay abandoned for long, especially in urban areas.

You can find a lot of locations online in the Netherlands which have since been refurbished or demolished. And even if they are abandoned, going inside usually means you are breaking and entering. The Dutch are notorious rule-followers, which means you’ll get fined for trespassing, no matter your intentions.

Still, that doesn’t mean you should give up. In the urbex subculture, it’s encouraged to find your own location to explore. The more people know of a location, the more explored it is, which makes it less of an authentic experience.

But remember: there’s nothing wrong with using the internet as a starting point for potential locations.

Places to urban explore in the Netherlands

Most locations in the Netherlands can usually be found on the outskirts of cities or in harbours, usually in the form of abandoned factories. There are also several locations in the east of the Netherlands, which is abundant with abandoned places.

Urban exploring at Radio Kootwijk

An iconic urban exploring site in the Netherlands is Radio Kootwijk. Built in 1918 as a radio transmitter, it connected the Netherlands to its colonies. It was captured by Nazi Germany during World War II and used to communicate with submarines until the end of the war.

Throughout the rest of the 20th Century, the Radio lost its importance and shut down, with some of its buildings being demolished. However, its iconic Station A remains, and the park around it can be visited.

Station A can also be rented for events, which isn’t very urban exploring-like, but we’ll take what we can get in the Netherlands!

A tropical exploration at the Tropicana

Another location to consider is the Tropicana in Rotterdam. Built as a combination of a swimming resort and an indoor nightclub, the Tropicana had many swimming pools and tropical-inspired interiors. The place was just an all-around classic 90s venue.

Unfortunately, it closed down in the early 2010s after going bankrupt. Part of the venue is now used as offices for start-ups, but you can still give it a peek for its former tropical nostalgia.

Bunkers and World War II in the Netherlands

One of the biggest urban exploration places in the Netherlands is the Atlantic Wall. Built by the Nazis during World War II, it was composed of a series of bunkers and fortifications along the west coast of continental Europe, which were meant to fend off an Allied invasion (which didn’t exactly work).

The bunkers are still there to this day. One of the best spots to see them is in the dunes next to Scheveningen, where they are lined up in the dunes facing the sea.

The Hague itself has plenty of bunkers throughout the city in all sorts of unexpected locations, such as in public parks like Clingendael.

If you want to “legally” explore a bunker, you can go to Hoek van Holland, where there is a museum bunker. You should also check out the yearly Bunker Day when bunkers around the Netherlands are open to the public.

Industrial decay and urban exploring at NDSM

Finally, for the industrial fans amongst you, consider visiting the NDSM in Amsterdam. While it’s not abandoned and it is quite well-known, it’s still a great urban exploration site.

Situated in an old shipyard on the Ijssel River in Amsterdam, the spot has since become a creative hub. Nevertheless, it’s certain to scratch your urban exploration itch with plenty of graffiti, rusting industrial architecture, and overall decay.

What are your favourite places to go urban exploring here in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August 2020, and was fully updated in October 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to leave the bikes and stroopwafels behind and step into the magical realm of Festival Circolo — the biggest circus festival in the Netherlands!

From 13 to 22 October, artists and performers from around the globe welcome you to their performances in Tilburg’s Spoorpark. Their goal? To make you fall in love with contemporary circus!

What exactly is Festival Circolo?

Festival Circolo is the largest festival for contemporary circus in the Netherlands. This year, the organisers are bringing you around 80 spectacular shows!

The festival hosts talented professionals to share with the audience what they’re most passionate about: circus! 

There is a place for everyone at Festival Circolo: Whether you’re hearing impaired or not, visually impaired or not, able-bodied or disabled, 4 or 104 years old. The only requirement? You should be ready to fully immerse yourself in the magic.

Breathtaking performances and much, much more

Of course, the main attraction at a circus festival will be the performances. These will take place across various tents in Tilburg’s stunning Spoorpark. Now, you might be thinking: “What’s the secret sauce that makes Festival Circolo so special?” 

Well, it’s the incredible variety of shows that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear, holding your breath in suspense, or fighting to hold back tears (sometimes even at the same time!). 

READ MORE | The guide to 10 thrilling theme parks in the Netherlands

From jaw-dropping juggling acts to impressive handstand performances and touching stories, the performances at Festival Circolo will leave you wanting more.

But wait, there’s more than ‘just’ spectacular shows! Think workshops, lekkere food trucks, campfires, and playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained. We bet you won’t be bored! 

What can I expect?

If you haven’t gathered by now, Festival Circolo has A LOT to offer. Let’s have a look at some of the programme highlights to get you excited! 

GLORIOUS BODIES by Circumstances / Piet Van Dycke

Glorious Bodies is “a search for strength in ageing bodies”, and let us tell you: it’s a truly heartwarming act. 

The performance features six acrobats between the ages of 55 and 67, who explore the strengths and limitations of the ageing body — all while destroying the clichés that surround old age. We highly recommend it!

En Attendant le Grand Soir by Le Doux Supplice

Do you want to be a part of the fun? At En Attendant le Grand Soir, you can!

During this dance spectacle, the acrobats showcase their jaw-dropping talents. Slowly but surely, they include the audience in their show and ultimately draw you into a whirlwind of dance and fun. 

RUNNERS by Hippana Maleta 

This hilarious performance features three men, two treadmills, juggling balls and some live music. With their outstanding talent, the performers showcase just how impressive the human body can be. 

And what about the treadmill, you ask? Well, it’s part of the show too! They play on it, create music with it, experiment, and, of course, fall on it.

Festival Circolo is all about fun, diversity, and the spectacular art and effort behind circus.

If you have a free evening between 13 and 22 October, we hope to see you there!

Have you ever been to Festival Circolo? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Ah, autumn, the leaves are turning, the air is cooling, and during autumn break, school is out. It’s great — but sometimes you just need somewhere for your own little animals to run wild.  

This is why we would like to introduce you to Wereldmuseum Leiden’s DierenAcademie (Animal Academy)! 

Need somewhere to tire your little tigers out? Well, class is in session. This educational exhibit both teaches your children about the animal kingdom and engages your children by offering fun exercises throughout. 

Let your little ones go wild for a day — all indoors

Picture this: it’s 9:15 AM, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and it’s raining cats and dogs outside. Could you let this explosive energy free within the walls of your home? Maybe, but the Animal Academy is a far better option. 

Suitable for both young and older children, Wereldmuseum Leiden’s Animal Academy exhibition allows them to run around within the exhibit’s walls instead. In fact, it encourages it! 

Raining hard enough outside to give your cat swimming lessons? Whether it’s pouring or roasting (who knows with this weather), Wereldmuseum Leiden is also a nice, cool, dry refuge for you and your children this autumn. 

What is the Animal Academy?

The concept behind Wereldmuseum Leiden’s Animal Academy is simple. It’s an interactive exhibit that both entertains and educates the kids, all while exploring the interaction between humans, animals, and the earth.  

READ MORE | 7 innovative Dutch projects for a sustainable future

The idea is that the Animal Academy functions like, well, an academy! With a variety of classrooms for your child to run between, the exhibit lets your kids run, push, hop and howl — all while learning at the same time.

A jungle that’s guaranteed to keep everyone fascinated

As soon as you walk into the exhibit, you and your child are invited to engage with it. Almost all aspects of the exhibit are interactive, meaning from the get-go, your child can get hands-on. 

Each classroom is themed around a specific animal and offers fun facts about how they navigate nature. Armed with these fun facts, your child will be encouraged to mimic the animal through fun interactive challenges. 

Ever wondered how your child would go about pretending to be a dung beetle pushing a giant “dung” from one side of the room to another? No? Well, you can experience it anyway! 

LEARN MORE | Something for the whole family! Let your kids run wild at Wereld Museum Leiden’s Animal Academy

Or how about discovering just how cute your child looks while donning a wolf’s tail and learning to perfect their howl? 

Whether your child wants to feel like an ant, hide like a cheetah, crawl like a polar bear on ice, or hop like a kangaroo, there are plenty of options to keep them moving, engaged, and learning. 

Not to mention you’ll get some great photo ops.

Not only a fun experience but a learning event

At the end of the day, the Animal Academy is an academy! The exhibit was curated with a very educational intention in mind. 

The hope is that by encouraging children to engage with and mimic the behaviours of animals, children can learn about how these animals relate to the world. 

READ MORE | 17 unforgettable things to do in Leiden in 2023

Taking it a step further, the exhibit also wants to welcome children to think about how they, as humans, interact with their environment. 

For children and parents alike!

However, the lessons aren’t only for the kids. Just as you watch your child mimic and interact with the exhibit, the Animal Academy also has the goal of making parents think more about their interaction with the environment. 

The goal of the exhibit is also to create a space to reflect upon humans and how we impact the world. It begs the question, what can we learn from the animal kingdom? 

The answer? That we as a species can and need to do better. Hopping, howling, and crawling aside, this message is at the heart of Wereldmuseum Leiden’s Animal Academy.  

The kids are grabbing their coats — tell us when, where, and how! 

Ready to let your inner animal out to play? How about your real ones? Grab those kiddos, save your house from destruction, and head to Wereldmuseum Leiden’s website to purchase tickets for the museum and its fabulous exhibit. 

No time to hop online? Geen probleem, you can always buy the tickets from the ticket desk. 

You’ll find that Wereldmuseum Leiden’s doors are open between 10 AM and 5 PM, six days a week. Each weekend the museum will also host fun workshops, activities, and weekend tours!  

So have no fear, if the Dutch summer weather is acting up, the Animal Academy’s doors are open. 

Have you attended this stunning exhibition yet? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! 

There are a few things the Netherlands will never have: decent curtains, dinner after 6 PM, and mountains. But one can dream, right?

Imagine skiing next to the canals of Amsterdam, lush Alp-like mountains five minutes away from Vondelpark, or snow-covered hills giving a scenic backdrop to Rotterdam’s famous butt plug gnome. No, we’re not joking.  

These artists have created some pretty cool graphics of what the flattest country in Europe would look like if she had a mountain range.

Skiing next to Amsterdam’s canals

This video will take you on a magical ride along the canals of a mountainous Amsterdam. How breathtaking is that?!

Rotterdam’s high-rises besides peaks

If you’re more of a Rotterdam fan, check out these epic photos. These guys started an Instagram account back in July 2020, sharing images of what Rotterdam would look like with mountains!

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A post shared by Studio Downtime (@studiodowntime)

Doesn’t this picture make the Netherlands magically turn into the perfect winter destination?

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A post shared by Studio Downtime (@studiodowntime)

How cool would the contrast between the majestic mountains and Rotterdam’s modern architecture be?

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A post shared by Studio Downtime (@studiodowntime)

If you love these photos as much as we do, head over to Studio Downtime’s Instagram page and explore more of their mountainous creations!  

Would you still love the Netherlands if it had mountains? Or do you enjoy living in a land with flat terrain? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature image: studiodowntime

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in February 2021, and was fully updated in August 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Grey and rainy days are no exception in the Netherlands, and there’s nothing better than curling up inside with a book to while them away. But you might as well use this time to learn stuff, too.

Whether you’re new to the country, planning on coming here soon, or want to know more about the tiny land of tall people, here are our eight favourite books to read about the Netherlands.

1. ‘The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old’ by Peter de Smet

Look, I admit this is a weird one. But it’s one of my favourite books about the Netherlands. The book is written through the lens of Amsterdam pensioner Hendrik Groen as he tries to figure out the meaning of life and love.

He lives in an assisted living facility and considers himself by far the coolest of his fellow pensioners. That is, until the love of his life, Eefje, moves into the nursing home and wins Hendrik’s heart with her sense of humour.

Hendrik and friends set up an Old-But-Not-Dead club to organise excursions. Other diversions in Hendrik’s life include choosing a mobility scooter and mulling over euthanasia.

READ MORE | 8 weird things about dying in the Netherlands

The book is hilarious and a nice way to learn about how the Netherlands deals with the elderly — if that’s something you know nothing about.

2. ‘The Penguin Book of Dutch Short Stories’ by Joost Zwagerman (Ed.)

If you want to know a country, you have to read its short stories. Short stories are the best literary format for really getting a sense of a place.

Why? Well, for one, you’ll get lots of different perspectives in manageable chunks, while one person cannot tell the story of a nation.

Secondly, short stories don’t need to have the same commercial merit individually as a novel does, which means they can be as weird and incomprehensible as they desire.

They need to tell a story right (real life doesn’t have a beginning, middle, or end, as you may have noticed). Finally, short story anthologies are lovely because you can pick up the collection, read a single story in a sitting, and absorb it while going about your day.

3. ‘Why the Dutch are Different’ by Ben Coates

You can’t live in the Netherlands as an international without running into Ben Coates, at least digitally. Coates is originally from England but moved here accidentally and never left. 

Why the Dutch are Different explores the history of the Netherlands and tries to piece together why the Dutch are the way they are.

From liberalism to directness, if you’ve been confused or even concerned by Dutchies, this is the book for you. It’ll also answer other questions you might have as an outsider: why is everything orange? Why is there so much beer and cheese? And what lies beyond the confines of the Randstad?

It’s far more than a surface-level examination of the Netherlands as Coates dives deep into the psyche of this watery nation.

4. ‘India and the Netherlands: Past, Present & Future’ by Venu Rajamony

If you want to treat someone this Christmas, get them this incredibly illustrated coffee-table book about the historical relationship between India and the Netherlands, written by the former Indian ambassador to the Netherlands, Venu Rajamony.

This book does well by acknowledging the not-great actions of the Netherlands in its colonial territories while generally presenting a story that is enjoyable to read and even has a hopeful note to it. You’ll learn all about the VOC and slavery.

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Still, you’ll also read about King Willem and Queen Maxima’s tour of India and the author’s hopeful predictions for the future relationship between the countries.

5. ‘The Bookshop of the World: Making and Trading Books in the Dutch Golden Age’ by Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen

Obviously, in an article about books in the Netherlands, there should be a book about books in the Netherlands (I can say “books” plenty more, trust me, but I won’t).

Dutch art in the Golden Age is talked about pretty constantly, but the Dutch also became masters of the book trade in the same period.

Previously dominated by the Italians and Germans, following the migration of Protestants from the Southern Netherlands to Holland during the Eighty Years’ War, the Dutchies started to increase their share in printing, binding and selling books throughout Europe.

READ MORE | What was the Eighty Years’ War? The Dutch War of Independence explained

It’s a previously undiscussed aspect of the Netherlands’ rise to prosperity, and honestly, it’s fascinating to learn about books in a different era. Also — excuse the shallowness — the book is really pretty. So you can look aesthetically intellectual this holiday season.

6. ‘The Thousand Autumns of Jakob de Zoet’ by David Mitchell

Any good book list on the Netherlands should have plenty about the country’s colonial past, so I present to you ‘The Thousand Autumns of Jakob de Zoet’. A fictional account of a Dutchman’s life on Dejima, the Dutch-Japanese trading post, this book will bring you back in time to the late eighteenth century.

The Dutch were one of the few western countries that gained access to the Japanese market in this time period, which gave them a pretty significant trade advantage (hello, VOC).

READ MORE | What was the VOC? The Dutch East India Company explained

Mitchell’s way of writing is incredibly vivid: one of the most striking aspects of the book for me was the sense of atmosphere- gloomy, cold, a sense of alienation and homesickness.

Perhaps these are not the warmest of emotions, but if you want to visit a different world, this book is for you. But there are plenty of reasons to read this book even if, somehow, you’re not interested in history.

7. ‘The Embarrassment of Riches: An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age’ by Simon Schama

Are you craving some hardcore history reading? Of course, you are!

Even if you’re somehow not, though, this book is a must-read if you want to understand the Netherlands’ history, particularly what happened during the Dutch Golden Age.

It’s a much-mentioned period of time in the Netherlands, but if you want to understand what it meant for the Dutchies, this is the book for you.

You’ll be wandering around the Rijksmuseum with fresh eyes in no time. It has a strong focus on art history, which is no surprise, given the fame of Dutch Golden Age paintings.

READ MORE | Forgotten women painters of the Dutch Renaissance and Golden Age

Schama uses historical documents to help the reader understand what some of the best-known Dutch Golden Age paintings were saying about the world.

8. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

You might more easily associate this title with the painting held in the Mauritshuis in The Hague, but there is also a book based on the painting. It’s a fictional story narrated by Griet, the heroine of the novel, who starts working at the house of Johannes Vermeer as a maid.

She gradually becomes more intimate with Vermeer, becoming his assistant and then modelling for him in a painting that eventually becomes the “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

This book is wonderfully atmospheric. I particularly loved the market scenes, which make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. This book will be perfect if you want an easy read over the holidays with no compromises on story quality.

It’s so enjoyable to read and was one of the books that got me interested in Dutch history in the first place.

Have you read any of these? Are there any other books about the Netherlands that we HAVE to read? Let us know in the comments below. 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2019, and was fully updated in August 2023 for your reading pleasure.