The Black Archives Reopens Renovated Location in Amsterdam-Oost in February 2026
The Black Archives is preparing to return to its original home in Amsterdam-Oost, with a reopening planned for February 2026. Following a temporary relocation to Amsterdam Zuidoost, the cultural archive and exhibition space will once again welcome visitors at its refurbished Zeeburgerdijk address. The institution will now be housed within the same building as the Suriname Museum.
Planning Your Visit to The Black Archives in Amsterdam-Oost
As The Black Archives is now situated within the museum building, there are specific entry procedures for visitors. You have two main options for experiencing the collections:
- Visit the exhibition: Purchase a ticket for the "Echoes of In*dependence" exhibition. This ticket also provides access to the Suriname Museum, offering three floors dedicated to art, history, culture, and heritage.
- Access the archive directly: If your primary interest is the archive without visiting the exhibition, simply check in at the Suriname Museum's front desk. You will receive a special keycard and be guided to The Black Archives, where you can explore the archival materials at your own pace. Discover the available collections here.
Exploring the Diverse Collections
Within The Black Archives' dedicated space, visitors will find both special collections and a community archive. The community archive features approximately 400 books, carefully selected and organized by category, making them freely accessible for browsing on shelves. You can preview these selections online via LibraryThing.
Additionally, the archives house a climate-controlled cabinet preserving the significant collection of Otto and Hermina Huiswoud. This includes delicate and valuable materials such as historical newspaper articles, magazines, photographs, and posters. Due to their fragility, these items are not freely accessible. To view this special collection, an appointment must be made in advance by email. The Huiswoud collection can be searched online at archieven.nl to identify specific pieces you wish to consult.
New Facilities, Opening Hours, and Accessibility
The move back to Zeeburgerdijk follows a necessary renovation of the Vereniging Ons Suriname (VOS) building, known as the 'Hugo Olijfveld Huis'. This extensive restoration was undertaken to provide improved climate conditions for safeguarding the valuable collections and to create enhanced spaces for events and temporary exhibitions. The Black Archives was temporarily located in Amsterdam Zuidoost during this period, from March 2024.
Opening Hours:
- The Archive: Wednesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
- The Exhibition and Suriname Museum: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00.
Accessibility: The Black Archives is situated on the first floor of the building and is accessible for individuals with physical disabilities and wheelchair users, with an elevator available on-site.
The Black Archives continues its mission to make underrepresented Black history visible and preserve it for future generations. Those wishing to support this work can make a donation.
Stay updated on future events and exhibitions through their social media channels and newsletter. To discover more cultural experiences in Amsterdam, explore other local museums or browse the full Musemap platform.
