What’s New in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is as lively–and enjoyably shocking–as ever. The old standbys (Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum) have reopened after closures for renovations, and there are some new joys for sightseers.

The area just east of the extremely central Central Station has a fixed-up, glassy high-rise feel. Anyone is welcome to venture into the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and head up 11 floors to the rooftop Sky Lounge. Come here to enjoy a drink--and what is suddenly the best "high-wide" view over Amsterdam.
The area just east of the extremely central Central Station has a fixed-up, glassy high-rise feel. Anyone is welcome to venture into the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and head up 11 floors to the rooftop Sky Lounge. Come here to enjoy a drink–and what is suddenly the best “high-wide” view over Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s big three art museums gather at the Museumplein--its museum park. The park itself is a people-friendly delight. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, understandably popular, are plagued by long lines. But the local favorite (and a great opportunity to just be in the modern art world) is all yours at the newly reopened Stedelijk Museum. London has its Tate Modern. Paris has the Pompidou. And Amsterdam offers an equally stimulating modern art museum. Like the others, it combines striking architecture (it's nicknamed "the bath tub" because of its odd shape), 20th-century favorites (Dali, Picasso, Kandinsky), and crazy contemporary art. While I’m not a big fan of abstract art, I found the contemporary sections of the Stedelijk really fun. What are your favorite modern art museum experiences in Europe?
Amsterdam’s big three art museums gather at the Museumplein–its museum park. The park itself is a people-friendly delight. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, understandably popular, are plagued by long lines. But the local favorite (and a great opportunity to just be in the modern art world) is all yours at the newly reopened Stedelijk Museum. London has its Tate Modern. Paris has the Pompidou. And Amsterdam offers an equally stimulating modern art museum. Like the others, it combines striking architecture (it’s nicknamed “the bath tub” because of its odd shape), 20th-century favorites (Dali, Picasso, Kandinsky), and crazy contemporary art. While I’m not a big fan of abstract art, I found the contemporary sections of the Stedelijk really fun. What are your favorite modern art museum experiences in Europe?
Amsterdam’s mayor is pushing an initiative to take the sleaze out of the sex and drug industries--businesses that the city famously tolerates. While fans of sex and drugs worry he’s rolling back the tolerance that is so endearing about Dutch society, I think he just wants to show that sex and drugs don’t need to be sleazy...and he’s doing a good job at it. The Red Light District is now a little more compact; windows promoting fashion and artists are now spliced in among all the windows with red lights and enticing women. And the streets remain the happy domain of regular people out having fun without the layer of shady characters making money in shady ways. I’d love to hear others’ feeling or stories about Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
Amsterdam’s mayor is pushing an initiative to take the sleaze out of the sex and drug industries–businesses that the city famously tolerates. While fans of sex and drugs worry he’s rolling back the tolerance that is so endearing about Dutch society, I think he just wants to show that sex and drugs don’t need to be sleazy…and he’s doing a good job at it. The Red Light District is now a little more compact; windows promoting fashion and artists are now spliced in among all the windows with red lights and enticing women. And the streets remain the happy domain of regular people out having fun without the layer of shady characters making money in shady ways. I’d love to hear others’ feeling or stories about Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
Comments

4 Replies to “What’s New in Amsterdam”

  1. What are your favorite modern art museum experiences in Europe?

    I enjoyed a couple things about my recent visit to the Reina Sofia, the modern art museum in Madrid.

    It was moving to see Pablo Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece “Guernica.” The complexity of the symbolism and the style is captivating. The monumental size of “Guernica” adds to its power.

    Next to “Guernica” in a display case were some old papers and programs from the work’s history are held. An old program from the Art Institute of Chicago means that “Guernica” was once displayed in Chicago. It was a heartening thought that such a great work of art was once shown in my home town.

    Finally, it was fascinating that the Reina Sofia building is an adaptive reuse. The structure that once housed a hospital is now an art museum.

  2. Regarding Amsterdam’s Red Light District: Aw, the area brings back fond memories of my first trip to Europe in the 70’s. I had planned to stay at a Youth Hostel, but after checking it out, I decided it was way to rowdy for my tastes. So, I cruised around and found, on a quiet little side street, the Christian Youth Hostel. Ah bliss. I stowed my knapsack and went exploring the city. When I returned to the area way after dark I discovered my quiet little refuge was smack dab in the middle of the red light district. While walking to the hostel by myself, I was a bit surprised to see all of the “window displays” and I got quite a few unusual looks. By the time I arrived at the hostel, my cheeks were as red as the surrounding window lights. Before being “exposed” to the area, I did not even know there was a red light district. What a surprise. Remembering that experience now is one of the funniest and most memorable events of my trip.

  3. just watched a RS show and my husband and I both feel he spends WAY too much time walking around museums commenting on individual paintings and statues. A very brief summary of the most famous things in each museum would be sufficient as the artsy people will know what he’s talking about and the rest don’t care. We would rather he highlight more of whatever area he’s in has to offer- major festivals, foods it’s noted for, maybe even going to TI for help in getting a “Back door” room as his books have gotten away from them because the hoards with his books can’t all get in the small places any more.That said I do like his style and shows!

  4. Unfortunately, I had a little too much Space Cake when I journeyed through the Red Light District on the Best of Belgium/Holland tour. Another Rick Steves tourmate and I decided to take pictures NEAR the Red Light District, but not IN the Red Light District. I think that the Space Cake made me quite paranoid through this STILL seedy district.

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