Street Art, Banksy and More: Discover Art You Can Understand

From the Golden Age of Dutch painters to today’s public art projects, the city’s DNA is intimately connected with the visual arts. Although art shows and galleries can feel very ‘high-brow’, contemporary art in Amsterdam is different. Thanks to its booming street art scene, cutting-edge exhibitions, and new-age museums, Artwork City Centre is both relatable and appealing to all. Street art, pop-up installations, and cool contemporary museums make it easy for artists to speak to the people in a powerful way.

Street Art in Amsterdam

Easily one of the more exciting and evergreen art movements today, street art in Amsterdam is impossible to ignore. Just go for a stroll through Jordaan, NDSM Wharf, or Spuistraat and you’ll stumble upon a series of colourful murals and street art. Evoking themes of social justice, political satire, and daily life, most street art projects are in your face and impossible to ignore. Although contemporary in its look and feel, this type of art is easy to interpret without a college degree. As one of the foremost modern contemporary cities in Europe, creative expression isn’t just meant to be hung in a museum.

Banksy & The Moco Museum

Of course, no list for contemporary art would be complete without a deep dive into Banksy. Known internationally for his political stunts and stencils, the art of Banksy is as relevant as ever in contemporary cities. Amsterdam certainly recognises this, and the Moco Museum has opened its doors to a permanent Banksy collection. His artwork is showcased side by side with pieces from other master rebel artists. Here, visitors can get a closer look at modern contemporary art that goes against society, opens up conversation, and makes them smile at the same time.

Contemporary Art You Can Understand

What really makes contemporary art in Amsterdam so special is that it lowers the gap between a high society culture and real life. Whether it’s interactive light installations during the Amsterdam Light Festival or independent art galleries in Amsterdam projects, there’s always something exciting to see. Projects of this nature provide the viewer with a relaxed environment, as well as highlighting the surrounding world, the city, politics, and problems which an individual may confront in his or her daily life.

Art Gallery Amsterdam

However, the city of Amsterdam offers much more than just museums. The streets and squares of the bustling metropolis act as their own open-air art showcases. Public parks are adorned with sculptures, the sides of canal houses are lined with quirky murals, and the Netherlands loves to surprise its passersby with random artistic displays. Sure, you can look out of restaurant windows, hop on and off trams, and flirt with the traditional world.

Changing Your Outlook

We are all used to defining art as something in a gallery. Art is what hangs on the walls, you can’t touch it, and god knows you can’t understand it. Except you don’t have to be so sweaty about creativity. If you take even a small dip into the world of contemporary art, it’s easy to see that artists are making the sort of content that is meant for everyone. Not just meant to judge, not just to buy. But to see, and think about, and know that we could have it someday.