Amsterdam
Completed

Happy Birthday Amsterdam: An Art Exhibition Honoring 750 Years of City Culture

Journey through Amsterdam's vibrant history and distinctive visual heritage as imagined by 75 artists.

The 'Happy Birthday Amsterdam' exhibition offers a unique artistic perspective on the city's enduring legacy. This special presentation commemorates Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, showcasing an eclectic collection from 75 artists, both historical and contemporary. Visitors can immerse themselves in art that captures the essence of the capital, from its diverse inhabitants to its energetic life and iconic visual heritage. The works are organized into three thematic chapters, inviting exploration of the city's multifaceted identity.

About Happy Birthday Amsterdam at H’ART Museum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Happy Birthday Amsterdam at H’ART Museum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This exhibition celebrated Amsterdam's 750th birthday with a tribute from 75 artists, past and present, showcasing artworks about, by, and for the vibrant capital. It explored the city's diverse inhabitants, its energetic life, and its distinctive visual heritage through three chapters.

Curatorial context

Happy Birthday Amsterdam was a festive ode to the city and the creatives who lived, worked, and resided there, contributing to its image throughout the centuries. The exhibition presented a colourful and rich collection of artworks, rather than a historical overview, focusing on the vibrant capital. The exhibition was structured into three chapters: 'Amsterdam’s cityscapes,' featuring depictions of the city's districts and inhabitants from 1900 to contemporary times; 'Amsterdam’s city life,' showcasing the buoyant energy of Amsterdamers from the 1960s to the present, including its cultural scene; and 'Amsterdam’s heritage,' highlighting distinctive visual features like canals and street art. Former Amsterdam City Poet, Gershwin Bonevacia, contributed three specially written poems for the exhibition, interpreting these themes as spoken word performances.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets are priced at €22.50 for adults and €17.50 for students. Admission is free for youth up to 17 years, Museum Pass holders, VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART holders, I amsterdam City Card holders, GoCity, Stadspas, ICOM members, and Members of H'ART Museum. Last entry is at 16:30, with the last e-ticket slot at 16:00.

Happy Birthday Amsterdam key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Happy Birthday Amsterdam at H’ART Museum in Amsterdam

Venue
H’ART Museum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Dec 4, 2024 – Mar 16, 2025
Artist line / attribution
Features 75 artists of the past and present, including Karel Appel, Marina Abramović, Johan Cruijff (through the eyes of Marlene Dumas), and poems by former Amsterdam City Poet Gershwin Bonevacia.
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