Amsterdam worst storm in 20 years

When in Amsterdam....the weather changes all the time. This October the city was battered by the winds up to 170km per hour. This was the strongest winds the city had encountered since the storm of 1990.

Fallen tree Amsterdam
(photo:Omy  Amsterdam Tours)

Many trees in the historic centre were up rooted. One woman was killed when a tree fell on her. Nationwide the damage is estimated to be near 100 million euros.

When in Amsterdam...prepare for the change in weather.

Amsterdam Museum Cannonballrun: 4. Portugese Synagogue

When in Amsterdam....the Portugese Synagogue is a cultural and architectural masterpiece. The building was opened in 1675 and survived Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during the Second World War.

The main building still does not have any electricity and is lit witth hundreds of candles. Part of the out buildings house the world's oldest Jewish library, Ets Haim.

Amsterdam Portugese Synagogue

Museum Overview/Layout

- the main building of the complex is the Synagogue.

- outbuildings surrounding  the Synagogue house the library and treasure chamber. The later is open to viewing.

Amsterdam Porgtugese Synagogue

Tips
- Your ticket to the Jewish Historic Museum includes entrance to the Portugese Synagogue
- take the free audio tour
- visit the downstairs chamber of treasures
- Remember it is a working Synagogue and is closed early on Friday and all day Saturday.
- Men must wear a Kipa/Jarmulka hat (these are provided at entrance)

Museumnacht tips
- Each year the Synagogue is filled with live jazz music. Combined with the candle light of the main room of the Synagogue this is a must visit if you are in the area.
- Yummy falafel and kosher wine is also served in the courtyard for a price. Get there early as they always sell out.
- Check out our museumnacht blog from two years ago which included the Protugese Synagogue.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam Museum Cannonball Run: 3. Allard Pierson Museum

When in Amsterdam...lovers of the antiquity the Allard Pierson Museum is for you. The Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam.



Allard Pierson Museum Amsterdam





Museum Overview/ Layout
- The building is impressive with marble floors and high ceilings
- Museum laid out over 2 floors
- Floor one is temporary exhibition and the Egypt rooms
- Floor two is Roman, Greek, Etruria, Cyprus and southern Italy and Sicily artifacts

Egypt artifact - Allard Pierson Museum Amsterdam

Temporary Exhibition

Eternal Egypt Experience - covers Egypt through the centuries. This exhibition goes beyond the normal mummies and Tutankhamun that one expects of ancient Egypt exhibitions. The exhibition starts at 1600,000 before Christ and goes through to 20th Century.

The exhibition is the findings of a combined archeolgical digs conducted by 7 Dutch and Flemish Universities in different parts of Egypt. There is a large multi-media component of the exhibition that takes around 20 minuttes. The exhibition runs until 5 January 2014.

Tips
- for those with a Museum card there is a 2.50 euro additional fee to enter the museum.

Museumnacht tips
- The theme this  year for the Allard Pierson Museum is The Senses. There is a large program of activities  including an antient jukebok and make your own antique perfume. For more information visit here.

When in Amserdam....enjoy!

Piet Modriaan in Amsterdam 1892 -1912: Amsterdam Museum Exhibitions

When in Amsterdam....explore the influence on art. The Amsterdam Museum is currently displaying 62 pieces by Piet Modriaan. Modriaan is famous in the art world for pioneering the abstract (Neoplasticism/ de Stijl) school of painting.

Modrian in Amsterdam 1892 - 1912
(photo: Omy Amsterdam Tours)

This exhibition (on display to January 2, 2014) concentrates on his early works when he lived in and around Amsterdam. The works show the progression of Mordiaan as an artist (he would change his name to Modrian in Paris 1911). Modriaan is normally remembered for his line paintings. This exhibition shows a human, an artist who is developing from influence, environment and personal  philosophy.

Born just outside Amsterdam to a strict Calvinist family Modriaan moved to Amsterdam in 1892 to study at the Academy of Fine Art. The exhibition shows how young Modriaan painting was typical in 19th century style. Landscapes and especially windmills were consistent objects of his paintings. He built up a career of commissions painting portraits and landscapes.

The exhibition dramatically shows the influence on Modriaan of the Van Gogh exhibition in Amsterdam in 1905. From 1907 his colours change to be more radical. His radical colour choices put him at odds with patrons and his family.

Windmill in Sunlight, Modriaan 1908

Modriaan again changes his style after his trip to Paris in 1911. He is confronted by Cubism. Combined with the use of dramatic colours during the First World War  Modriaan turns his attention to the philosophy and painting, especially the line and colour. The process becomes more important than the result.

It is always fascinating to see an artist develop. Piet Modriaan in Amsterdam 1892 - 1912, exhibits rare works seldom displayed publicly. For those who love early 20th century art this is a must see. Great in combination with a visit to the Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums of Amsterdam.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

Amsterdam Museum Cannonball Run: 2. Amsterdam Museum

When in Amsterdam...the best museum about the city is of course the Amsterdam Museum. Housed on the location of the former monestry and city Orphanage the location dates back to 1581.




Amsterdam Museum entrance Kalverstraat

Museum Layout/Overview

5 main areas of the museum

- 1. Cafe and courtyard

- 2. DNA Amsterdam exhibition. An overview of the cities history using new and interactive multi-media exhibiting techniques. Perfect for someone with not a lot of time or not that into museum.

- 3. Amsterdam by centuries: is a more detailed looked through the city's history. Great if you wan to delve deeper into the ages.

- 4. Temporary exhibitions and childrens area.

- 5. Civic Guards Gallery: free gallery to walk though


Temporary exhibitions

Piet Modriaan in Amsterdam 1892 - 1912 (Modrian) was born just outside Amsterdam. He spent most of his youth in Amsterdam living in at least 10 addresses across the city. One such address is the Kalverstraat where this exhibition is on show. Mordian's work spans the late 19th century and early 20th century. His most famous works internationally are those after 1920.

This exhibition consists of 62 works from his early days to pre-1920s. It is interesting to see the artist develop through his work. This exhibition will be on display until February 2014. 

Tips
- See the Rembrandt painting "The Anotomy Lesson of Dr. Jan Deijman" (1956). Part of the permanent collection.
- Another Rembrandt is on loan until August 2015 from the American's National Gallery of Art. "Saskia van Uylenburgh". In the DNA exhibition.
- There is a good short movie of what Ajax Football Club means to Amsterdam.
- Modern art lovers will relish the Modrian exhibition in combination with Van Gogh museum and Stedelijk Museum.

Museumnacht Tips
- There is always a good party in the cafe and coutyard. This year the theme is New York jazz, Boogie Woogie, Eddie the Eagle and Modrian. Get there around midnight.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam Museum Cannonball Run: 1. Jewish Historical Museum

When in Amsterdam...Cannonball Museum Run Stop 1 is the Jewish Historical Museum. The weather was bad so we dropped  into a place close to home in old Mokum town.

Museum Layout/ Overview

- The Museum is housed in a complex of four former Ashkenazi synagoguess laid over three floors.
- Lower floors are the temporary exhibitions, cafeteria and entrance into the Synagoge. This area explains the basis of Jewish religion.
- Upper floor is the permanent exhibitions serparated into two room.
- First room covers the Jewish community in Netherlands and Amsterdam from 1500s to late 1800s.
- Second room is devoted to the 20th century experience of the Dutch Jewish Community.
- Disabled access is very good.

Jewish Historical Museum Amsterdam

Temporary Exhibitions

Philip Mechanicus: Photographer ( exhibitions runs until 27 Ocotber 2013)
 This is the first posthumous restropective work of this Amsterdam photogrhaper. Philip was born at Zwanburgwal a few blocks from the Museum complex.

Son of a Jewish father and a non-Jewish German month this enabled the family to survive the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam.

The exhibition covers the life work of Philip Mechanicus who was a writer and photographer.

For us the best part of the exhibition is the photos of Amsterdam streets shot between 1955 and 1962.

Shtetl in the City: Antwerp through the lens of Dan Zollman (exhibition runs 16 September until 2 February 2014)

Dan Zollman is an Antwerp native from a Jewish family. His exhibition brings alive the world of Antwerp's ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jews. Zollman opens the viewer to a community that is often closed.

An interesting look at a community from a city, Antwerp, that has had an enormous impact on the city of Amsterdam.



Dan Zollmann Sjtetl in de stad



Tips:
- Take the free audio tour it comes in multiple languages
- If you are interested in WWII and don't have a lot of time you can spend 1 hour just in the 20th century room.
- Museumnacht 2013 will be an event Digiffiti: Amsterdam street language and art influenced by the city's Jewish history.
When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

Amsterdam Museums: Museumnacht Cannonball Run 2013

When in Amsterdam...Autumn and Winter mean museums, expositions and concerts. As the seasons change Museum Night (Museumnacht Amsterdam) is an event to which to look forward. Many Amsterdam museums open for a one night extravaganza from 7pm to 2am. The buildings filled with special events, exhibitions and music.

So with 23 days to go to Museumnacht Amsterdam we thought a run around of Amsterdam museums would be a good idea. Armed with our Museum card (Museumkaart) we want to:

- Visit as many Museums participating in Amsterdam Museumnacht 2013 as possible;
- Blog about new exhibitions in our musums for Autumn and Winter in Amsterdam,
- Recount the permenant collections of our museums.
- Provide an overview of the museums,
- Tips and anything you should see before Museumnacht.

The most important aim is to provide English reading residents of Amsterdam and our visitors encouragement to get out and see our wonderful varied Amsterdam museums. There is so much more than the Big 3: Anne Frank, Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum.

You can paritipate too!

- Read our blog,
- Comment on our posts,
- Buy a museumkaart and send us your thoughts on a  museum you visited lately,
- Buy a ticket to Museumnacht, check out the Museumnacht website and read our blog in anticipation.
- Join the Cannonball, get your Museumkaart and come. Facebook postings are best...stay tuned....

Museum Card (Museumkaart)

Your best value cultural card to Museums in the Netherlands. For 50 euro you can visit over 400 listed museums in the Netherlands for one year from the time of purchase. That's right, 1 year from time of purchase.

You can sign up on the website and pay online for your Museumkaart. They will send it to you for an additional postage fee. The website is in Dutch which maybe difficult for new English reading Amsterdammers and guests.

Do you want a Museumkaart now? Buy a card at major Amsterdam museums. Tip: try the Amsterdam Museum as it is central and not overcome by visitors.

Note: the Museumkaart does NOT provide entrance to Museumnacht Amsterdam 2013.

If you wish to see what we did and tips from last year have a read of these blog entries:
- Diary Amsterdam Museum Night 2011
- Amsterdam Museum Night 2012
- Amsterdam Museum Night 2012 Diary

Let the Amsterdam Museum Cannonball Run begin.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Mr Amsterdam Ajax: happy 75th birthday!

When in Amsterdam...the city is a one team town, Ajax Amsterdam. Today the fans of the Netherlands most successful team celebrates one of the club's greatest players birthday, Sjaak Swart, aka Mr. Ajax.

Photo from ANP.

Swart played 596 games for Ajax, a club record. The famous right winger scored 228 goals for Ajax. Swart was part of the Ajax team that won three successive European Cups (now Champions League) from 1971 - 73. He also played 31 games for the national Netherlands team.

There are many highlights in such an extended career however one of the best documented in English goes to the European Cup (now Champions League) game Ajax v Liverpool in 1966. The game is referred to as the "the game in the mist'. The crowd and commentators could not see the game.

Ajax win 5-1 and Swart is the one of the best players on the ground. To get a full english version of the game click here.

For his most famous goals look at the below provided by Ajax tv.


When in Amsterdam wishes Mr. Ajax and his family congratulations on your birthday.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy.

Getting High in Amsterdam: Open Tower Day 2013

On Saturday March 9 Amsterdam celebrated the first ever Open Tower Day.  Although the Dutch city, much like the rest of the country, is renowned for its flatness, Amsterdam is peppered with several large church towers which offer a rarely seen vantage point over the capital.

When in Amsterdam got the chance to visit the Zuiderkerktoren.  Built in 1614, the Zuiderkerk was the first Protestant built church in Amsterdam.  Designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser in the renaissance style, the church is situated in the centre of Amsterdam's old Jewish neighbourhood.

Entering the tower through a small side door, we were greeted by a typical narrow and winding Amsterdam staircase.  It took 139 steps to reach the top of the tower, but the journey up was broken into small sections as we were explained the various parts of the tower.

The carillon inside the tower normally operates through machinery setting off the bells every 15 minutes.  Every Thursday, however, a carillonist performs, treating the surrounding areas to a concert of Mozart, Bach or Handel.

The bells in the tower were designed by the brothers Hemony, famous for making the best bells in Europe.  This large central bell, however, is much older than the church itself.  It was originally located in the Oudekerk in the Red Light District, however after the reformation this "Catholic bell" was removed from the church as a sign of the Protestant victory and installed in the Zuiderkerk.

 

Having reached the top, the views were spectacular.  Despite the ordinary weather (Amsterdam can still have brutal winter days in March, so pack appropriately!) it was great to see the city from such a unique angle.  The Zuiderkerktoren features in so many photographs and even a painting by Claude Monet, so it was a terrific opportunity to take some pictures from the other side!

The best view, however, was looking back towards the city centre.  In this picture you can see the Westertoren, the Royal Palace, the New Church, the Beurs van Berlage, the Old Church, the Bushuis, Centraal Station, St. Nicholas Church and even de Waag.  Wow!

When in Amsterdam... get high (without going to a coffeeshop) and take some photos!

Restaurant Day Amsterdam #2: best food for winter

When in Amsterdam...Restaurant Day is starting to take hold. 15 pop-up restaurants set up throughout Amsterdam for the city's second time to participate in the international quarterly food festival.

Restaurant Day started in Helsinki, Finland in May 2011. The concept is to eat together and meet new people. Cooking enthusiasts are encouraged to set up a pop up restaurant at any location and share their passion for food. The limitation is their imagination.

Restaurant Day started with 45 restaurants across 13 cities in 2011. Restaurants have now popped up in an estimated 35 countries and over 130 cities globally.

The second time in Amsterdam, Restaurant Day was held on a wonderfully fine winter's Sunday. We looked at the website and picked a place for a late lunch before watching the Ajax Amsterdam football game. The Trans-Eurasian Journey caught our eye. Situated in the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood in central Amsterdam it promised Italian and Thai food. Amsterdam is known for its diversity so the combination was intriguing

Restaurant Day Amsterdsam: Gnocchi Ragu

We meet a friend on his traditional dutch town bike, though very very noisy and ventured on our afternoon culinary world tour. We were surprisingly greeted by our hosts at the door of their small Amsterdam apartment. We were their first customers of the day.

Restaurant Day Amsterdam: Thai stir fry

The menu was simple, pasta or Thai street stir-fry. We went for one of each and a round of beers. The food was simple but well cooked. The ragu, gnocchi was cooked by a native of Bologna we need not say more. From slow cooking to the fast wok. A debate about the Dutch 'spicy' scale ensued. The Thai stir fry was a great match  for the beer. Both meals were just what were needed for a Sunday afternoon. Our hosts were not professional cooks but knew their dishes well. They had a passion for food and adventure

The Trans-Eurasian chefs for a day.

Amsterdam is a small capital city. We enjoyed the experience as we walked away we soon came upon friends. They had never heard of the event so we pointed them in the direction of the one day only pop up restaurant, The Trans-Eurasian Journey. To top things off the the local football team Ajax won. A perfect Sunday. Thank you to our hosts and the Restaurant Day team. See you in three months Restaurant Day.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

For When in Amsterdam's first visit to Amsterdam Restaurant Day click here.

A real King of Amsterdam: Cruijff

When in Amsterdam...this city makes the King or Queen. Talk has recently turned to the abdication of Queen Beatrix. Amsterdam has always been a republican city state of the Netherlands. Throughout history the city has only supported Kings and Queens when it is in Amsterdam's best interest.

Johan's number has been retired by Ajax Amsterdam

The Amsterdam museum is currently holding an exhibition on Johan Cruijff, a real King of Amsterdam.  Born and breed in Amsterdam the exhibition looks at how Amsterdammers and Netherlanders see Cruijff their football idol.Cruiff was a footballer and his name is in the same category as Pele and  Maradonna.

Ballon d'Or

Cruijff won 3 European Footballer of the year awards (Ballon d'Or) and was voted best European footballer of the century in 1999. Cruijff was voted second to Pele as best footballer of the century.

"Joan en Ik." is a simple one room exhibition that shows Johan's acceptance of his role as an idol. Always willing to stop for an autograph or photo the exhibition shares anicdotes from his career and fans. The exhibition is a worthy accompanyment to the regular Amsterdam city history that the museum displays. You also get your own chance to get a photo with a King of Amsterdam.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Amsterdam's Tulip Day

When in Amsterdam...Tulip Season has started. The Dutch tulip season officially kicked off as Amsterdam's Dam Square played host to the second annual National Tulip Day.  To mark the event, a special tulip garden was set up on the square and everyone was invited to come and pick a bunch of tulips - for free!

Tulip Day Amsterdam's Dam Square

It was a blustery, cold day in Amsterdam, but big crowds braved the elements to join in the fun.  Around 200,000 tulips were set up in front of the Royal Palace and everyone was welcome to take home up to 20 tulips, including the bulbs.

The Dutch fascination with tulips peaked in the 1630's in an episode known as Tulip Mania.  Whilst Amsterdam was at the height of its Golden Century, tulips became the centre of an economic bubble that made and lost fortunes overnight.  When the bubble burst in February, 1637, the unfortunate were left with hoards of tulips worth a fraction of the price they had paid for them.

Tulip Man on Amsterdam's Dam Square

The tulip is no longer seen as a way to get rich quick, they still hold a special place in the Dutch psyche.  It is estimated that 1.7 billion Dutch tulips are enjoyed every year throughout the world. At the end of the Second World War, the Dutch Royal family sent 100000 tulips to the Canadian government as a thank you for offering them sanctuary during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Ottawa now has the second largest tulip festival in the world.

Music Organ on Dam Square, Amsterdam

The tulip season runs each year in the Netherlands from January until the end of April.  During this time of year tulips become ubiquitous throughout Amsterdam in shop windows and gardens.  Why fight the crowds in the Keukenhof to see them when they are right here to be seen!

Tulip Day 2015 will be January 17.

When in Amsterdam... enjoy the spring!.

Amsterdam Photo Tour: Winter Wonder

When in Amsterdam....a Photo Tour is a great idea. Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. The wonderful  architecture, tree lined canals, boats, and bicycles have amazed people for centuries.

Winter Canals: OMY Amsterdam Photo Tour

 Walk the streets with trained and published Photographers from OMY Amsterdam Tours. The best rated small group tour company in Amsterdam by Trip Advisor.

Amsterdam Tourist Boat winter: OMY Amsterdam Photo Tour

Make the most of your limited time in Amsterdam. The best way to find your way around the small alley ways to the most beautiful locations is with a guide.

Frozen Amsterdam Bike: OMY Amsterdam Photo Tour

If you are a beginner with a passion for photography OMY Amsterdam Guide's give you tips and techniques on how to capture the best photos with your camera.  Along the way learn and talk in a relaxed  personal manner about Amsterdam, the city built on water.

Amsterdam peaceful courtyard: OMY Amsterdam Photo Tour

If you are an experienced photographer enjoy personalized service to the best locations.

Beginner or experienced OMY Guides are flexible to your needs and tours are customized for you. To Book click here.

On the Amstel: OMY Amsterdam Photo Tour

For more photos by OMY Amsterdam Photo Tour Guides click here to see our blog on Amsterdam small houses.


Most important. When in Amsterdam....enjoy!