Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design

When in Amsterdam...the Stedelijk Museum is home to contemporary art. Marcel Wanders: Pinned up at the Stedelijk is an exhibition of one of the Netherlands most famous designers.

The exhibition, curated by Ingeborg de Roode, brings together 400 pieces and 25 years of Marcel Wanders work. In 2011, the New York Times labeled Wanders the Lady Gaga of the design world. As he was 'a constant font of ideas and energy who is nearly impossible to ignore'.

Knotted Chair by Marcel Wanders 1996

Marcel Wanders rise to fame came in the 1990s. In 1996, his Knotted Chair was released to international acclaim at the Milan Furniture Fair. He developed the chair for the Droog collective and in 2001 foundered Moooi furniture. 

The exhibition is laid out in three distinct areas. The first decision is to decide which zone to explore first, White or Black Zones. 

The White Zone, charts the progression of Wander's work. This zone is based on 10 themes among them surface, innovation, playing with scale. 

The Black Zone, presents work that is more experimental and personal to Wanders. The contrast from the White Zone creates a simple powerful dramatic effect.

The Lounge area at the end of the exhibition shows his work for design brands.

The iconic works of Wanders are presented. Such as, Set Up Shades lamp (1989), Knotted Chair (1996), Lace Table (1997), Egg Vase (1997) and Skygarden lamp (2007). There are also lesser known pieces and recent pieces such as the special edition version for this exhibition of the Egg Vase.

Egg Vase: Marcel Wanders

If you are a designer or just love design this is must if you are in Amsterdam. Even if you don't think you enjoy design you will find something in this exhibition that screams cool. The exhibition runs from February 1 until June 15 2014. The Exhibition Marcel Wanders: Pinned up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design is sponsored by Koninklijke Ahold N.V. 

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Other blogs related:

• What is Dutch Design?
• Amsterdam Guide To Dutch Design

Amsterdam Guide to Dutch Design

When in Amsterdam....explore Dutch Design. Here is your guide to the best places to experience Dutch Design in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a city known for its creativity, and business. The two are wonderful bed fellows that create unique and functional products that are little quirky.

Here are a list of places to visit, see and experience the best of Dutch Design.

Interior design Shops

• Moooi Gallery: Furniture label of the famous Marcel Wanders.
• Droog: A collective established in the 1990s that has become the flagship store for Dutch Design.
• &Klevering sells interior home accessories.
• Frozen Fountain stocks emerging and established designers. Look out for the specially commissioned pieces.
• Mobilia Woonstudio: has an impressive selection of top Dutch design labels.
• Thinking of Holland: stocks Dutch Design souvenirs.

Knotted Chair: Marcel Wanders

Museums

• Stedelijk: The home to contemporary art. Has a great range of turn of the 20th century furniture by famous designers such as Berlage.
• Museum Het Schip: An old apartment block that represents the Amsterdam School of architecture.
• Foam: Amsterdam's most recognized photography museum. The concept was developed by Amsterdam based creative agency Vandejong.

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Hotels

• Andaz Amsterdam - the 5 star hotel part of the Hyatt group is located centrally in the old old library on the Prinsengracht. The interior is designed by the famous Marcel Wanders.
• Dutch Design Hotel Artemis, a little out of town the hotel building's design was influenced by geometric forms of Mondrian, Dudok and Rietveld. Furniture and fittings are designed by contemporaries such as Piet Hein Eek, Marcel Wanders and Richard Hutten.

Andez Hotel foyer Amsterdam

IAmsterdam Sign

• Yes, you read it right.. The great sign markets the city of Amsterdam. Designed by the creative group KesselsKramer. 
• The sign is always moving but look for it in its normal home on Museumplein.

Bike Shops

• Vanmoof
• Blackstar Bamboo Bikes

Blackstar Bamboo Bike

Streetware

• Patta

Amsterdam Streetware brand Patta

Dutch Design Tours

• Omy Amsterdam Tours

If you have any further suggestions please let us know. We are on Facebook, and Google+,  

When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

Blogs posts similar:

• What is Dutch Design?
• Marcel Wanders: Pinned Up at the Stedelijk, 25 years of design.

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!

Museum Night Amsterdam 2012

When in Amsterdam...Museumnacht is once a year. Museum Night is an event when 50 museums throughout Amsterdam are open until 2am. Museum's fill with Djs, bands and special events. One big cultural party is held all over Amsterdam. In 2012 Museumnacht is November 3. The first weekend of November always experiences cold and possibly wet weather.

Have a read of what When in Amsterdam got up to on Museum Night 2011.

This year highlights will include:

Portuguese Synagogue with a jazz trio naturally lit

• The Applesap people are holding a music extravaganza in the Tropenmuseum.
• Amsterdam's new film museum, Eye, will hold a zombie party.
• A midnight Yoga session will be held in the New church surrounded by Andy Warhol art work.
• The Portuguese synagogue will be lit with hundreds of candles. If like last year a tasty falafel can be pickup up. Men have to wear a yarmulke (skull cap) which is supplied.

Ticket can be bought online at the N8 website or at Primera newsagents through out Amsterdam. There are only 27 500 tickets. Do not leave to the last minute as this event is always sold out.

Museum Night Tickets 2012

Primera shops will be selling Museum Night tickets in 2012.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

John Fogerty Amsterdam Concert 2012

When in Amsterdam John Fogerty is coming to Amsterdam in 2012. Mojo the concert promoter announced today that Fogerty will play a concert in Amsterdam on July 13 2012. Pre-sale tickets for the Forgerty concert go on sale March 24 2012. The concert is to take place in the Ziggo Dome where Madonna and Pearl Jam will also play this summer. It must be noted that this venue has still not been completed. We will see.

Fogerty is famous for his membership in the Creedence Clearwater Revival the famous American roots rock band. Fogerty has had a solo career since the mid 1970s with his best known hit Centerfield an anthem to the All American Baseball spirit.

Last year Fogerty started to play Creedence songs at his concerts so he may perform these rock classics in Amsterdam this year.

When in Amsterdam....enjoy!

Crazy Men and Their Magnificent Flying Machines in Amsterdam the City of Bicycles

Once a year for the last 3 years Amsterdam has been visited by rare old pre-war auto mobiles. Yes, the city of bicycles and canals will host the 100 Miles of Amsterdam. This weird and wonderful event pits man and machine against the winter elements of Amsterdam in the dead of night in a race against time.

This event was established by rally and vintage car enthusiasts, specifically pre-1940 cars. This year it will take place on the night 18 December and be completed on 19 December.

This year around 50 pre-war cars will take to the streets in this all night rally test. The rally starts at Huize Frankendael in Amsterdam East. Contestants will drive through the city. Dam Square and the 9 Streets, especially Reestraat will be great vantage points. They head to the centre of Utrecht where they stop before returning to the banks of the River Ij in Amsterdam.

The Amsterdam Watch Company in Amsterdam's famous shopping districts De 9 Straatjes (9 Streets) is proud to sponsor the event and has designed the wonderful poster below.

On their website The 100 Miles Amsterdam event organisers justify the event citing, apart from good old fun, sustainability and innovation. They believe that today products have a short life and that people are not building products that last. Rallying old cars is supposed to show how men and women can make things that go on for decades instead of being replaced every 3-5 years and placing burden on the environment.




Below is a link from The Telegraaf. They made a short clip about last years event.

http://www.telegraaf.nl/autovisie/video_autovisie/8732464/__100_Miles_of_Amsterdam__.html

Everyone has pictures of bikes in Amsterdam and my town bike is one of my prized possessions but their is something classic and cool about old cars racing around Amsterdam. Rug up, get out and see these crazy, mostly,  men and their magnificent flying machines. Send us photos too.

When in Amsterdam.....enjoy!