Architecture, film and street art in Amsterdam

By Malin Norman

Striking architecture, a playground for street art, and an outstanding centre for cinematography – take a look at our autumn tips for what not to miss in Amsterdam.

Situated on the northern bank of the river IJ, just opposite the Central Station, Eye Filmmuseum is a must-see. Designed by Austrian architects Roman Delugan and Elke Delugan-Meissl, Eye Filmmuseum opened in 2012. The structure quickly became one of Amsterdam’s modern icons.

Eye Filmmuseum is a centre dedicated to cinematography. Here, you will find four cinemas, an exhibition space and a floor with educational activities, as well as a café/restaurant and a shop. Sometimes called ‘the cinematic memory of the Netherlands’, this national museum for film manages more than 60,000 films from all genres.

Architecture, film and street art in Amsterdam

Permanent exhibition, Film Catcher. Photo: Corinne de Korver

Eye is internationally acclaimed for its knowledge of and expertise in the field of film restoration, research, and education. The collection represents an outstanding sample of film history, from classics and blockbusters to cult films, and Eye Filmmuseum also follows the latest developments in film.

Until 7 September, visitors have the opportunity to see Revolutions, the first European solo museum exhibition by US artist and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Garrett Bradley. It invites visitors into Bradley’s world: a rich blend of engagement and artistic experimentation, in which she critically examines history and image-making from a contemporary perspective.

STRAAT Museum. Photo: Ernst Wagensveld

Cutting-edge street art and graffiti at STRAAT

STRAAT is a spectacular museum for street art and graffiti, located in the NDSM wharf area. Described as a national monument and the biggest outdoor playground for street art and graffiti in Amsterdam, STRAAT is located in a large former shipyard warehouse, with 8,000 square metres of gallery space.

Visitors can see some of the biggest names and upcoming talent in the radical art movement. The current exhibition displays more than 180 artworks by 170+ artists, created on-site. A mind-blowing visual experience is promised.

The museum presents Brazilian Soul, an exhibition originating from São Paulo’s renowned international street art festival NALATA, until 31 October. With large-scale artworks by influential Brazilian artists, it captures the vibrant spirit and powerful urban legacy that NALATA has established in São Paulo.

Brazilian Soul is made possible by the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague, as part of STRAAT’s Summer of Brazilian Street Culture programme. The museum is also hosting the exhibition Pixação: Resistance and Rebellion, featuring works by Brazilian artists.

STRAAT Museum. Photo: Ernst Wagensveld

Snake-like Pythonbrug and remarkable Pontsteiger

The intriguing Pythonbrug was built in 2001. This vibrant, snake-like red footbridge spans 90 metres across the canal between the former harbour docs in Sporenburg and Borneo, in Amsterdam’s regenerated Eastern Docklands.

Pythonbrug. Photo: Olivier Groot Hexashots

Part of a revitalising project of the Eastern Docklands, Pythonbrug is one in a set of three bridges in the area, designed by architect Adriaan Geuze at architectural firm West 8. Bult in 2001, it won the International Footbridge Award in 2002, and is one of the most visited architectural attractions in Amsterdam. The area is well worth a visit, away from the busy city centre, only 15 minutes by bike from the Central Station and also accessible via tram.

Pontsteiger. Photo: Arons en Gelauff Architecten

Another spectacular structure is Pontsteiger, a large-scale residential project. Designed by Arons en Gelauff Architecten, this is not just an iconic object but a public space within itself.

The building consists of a low-rise block, which wraps around a plaza on the waterfront. Two high towers with a bridge in between frame the river view. The pavilions underneath accommodate lobbies, restaurants, bars and cafés. In addition to 366 apartments and the commercial spaces, Pontsteiger also houses a parking garage.

On the west side sits a marina, and the public space on ground level provides access to water on all sides, as well as views in every direction.

Pontsteiger. Photo: Arons en Gelauff Architecten

For more information on what to see and do in Amsterdam, you can take a look at: www.iamsterdam.com

Currently showing at Eye Filmmuseum:

Garrett Bradley: Revolutions
14 June – 7 September, 2025
www. eyefilm.nl

Currently showing at STRAAT Museum:
Brazilian Soul: STRAAT x NALATA
15 August – 31 October, 2025
www.straatmuseum.com