Take time to explore the many intriguing neighborhoods of Amsterdam, which are constantly evolving. The Jordaan district, for example, was once an area for the working-class poor. Today, this area in Amsterdam's historic center is artsy-cool.
Three streets in particular -- Bloemgracht, Bloemstraat and Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat -- have great galleries to discover. Before heading out, pick up a free copy of Amsterdam Gallery Preview, with gallery listings and a large, helpful map.
Dutch curator, collector, and gallery-owner Eduard Planting recommends these galleries:
Galleries Galore On Bloemgracht
Galerie Bart (Bloemgracht 2, Amsterdam; tel. 20/320-6208; www.galeriebart.nl)
Considered to be one of the most cutting-edge exhibition venues in Amsterdam, the Bart gallery specializes in emerging Dutch artists with a focus on painting and photography. It also exhibits spectacular sculpture, made from new materials.
Galerie Gist Amsterdam (Bloemgracht 82, Amsterdam; tel. 20/622-6662; www.gistgalerie.nl)
This Amsterdam gallery alternates exhibits of upcoming and more established artists from the Netherlands and abroad. Gist mounts both solo and group shows in the main gallery and in the project space.
Galerie Tegenboschvanvreden (Bloemgracht 57, Amsterdam; tel. 20/320-6768; www.tegenboschvanvreden.com)
This new gallery offers a platform for contemporary art from international artists along with performances, discussions, and artists' talks.
Galleries On Bloemstraat
Galerie Fons Welters (Bloemstraat 140, Amsterdam, tel. 20/423-3046; www.fonswelters.nl)
The focus here is on contemporary art. The gallery works with artists from the beginning of their professional development and has launched the career of many young Dutch artists such as Joep van Lieshout, Aernout Mik, Erik van Lieshout, Jan De Cock, Sven Kroner, and Matthew Monahan.
Galleries On Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat
Galerie Eduard Planting (Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat 2 links, Amsterdam; tel. 20/320-6705; www.eduardplanting.com)
This gallery exhibits an interesting mix of fine art photography by well-known, international artists as well as work by emerging talent. Gallery-owner Eduard Planting also advises collectors on photo print selection.
Dolf D. van Omme (Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat 19, Amsterdam; tel. 20/427-4642; www.dolfvanomme.nl)
The spotlight here is on 19th- and 20th-century European fine art. The collection includes work from the Amsterdam Impressionists, classical modernists, French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Also featured are traditional paintings of Amsterdam city views.
Other Things To See & Do in the Jordaan District
Near the galleries, there are two must-sees: the Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht 267; www.annefrank.org) and the famous church, Westerkerk (Prinsengracht 281; www.westerkerk.nl).
After wandering around the district, stop for refreshments at one of these neighborhood cafés: Bar Brandstof (Marnixstraat 341; tel. 06/543-435-55), Struik (Rozengracht 160; tel. 20/625-4863), and Villa Zeezicht (Torensteeg 7; tel. 20/626-7433).
And, maybe even do some shopping: Sprmrkt (Rozengracht 191-193; www.sprmrkt.nl) -- a converted supermarket offering designer clothing, accessories and furniture; Lock Stock and Barrel (Hartenstraat 26; www.lockstockandbarrel.hyves.nl) -- international fashions and accessories for men & women; and Antonia by Yvette (Gasthuismolensteeg 18; www.antoniabyyvette.nl) -- a designer shoe boutique.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our The Netherlands Forum.
