Amsterdam
Permanent collection

Discover the Oude Kerk: Amsterdam's Oldest Building, History, and Contemporary Art Exhibition

Delve into 700 years of history, architecture, and art within Amsterdam's Oude Kerk, a permanent cultural presentation.

Step into Amsterdam's Oude Kerk, the city's most ancient structure, and explore an enduring exhibition that reveals over seven centuries of its profound past. This presentation beautifully intertwines medieval heritage with dynamic contemporary art installations, showcasing the building itself as a living testament to cultural shifts. Visitors can embark on a rich journey through its architectural evolution and diverse artistic expressions. Discover stories of the Reformation, iconic stained-glass, and magnificent organs alongside modern perspectives.

About Ontdek de Oude Kerk at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Ontdek de Oude Kerk at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

Discover the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building, and delve into over 700 years of its rich history. This ongoing presentation showcases a remarkable blend of medieval heritage and contemporary art, inviting visitors to explore centuries of stories etched into its walls.

Curatorial context

Step into the Oude Kerk, the oldest building in Amsterdam, and embark on a journey through more than seven centuries of history. The church building itself is a testament to Amsterdam's past, revealing stories of medieval times, the profound impact of the Reformation, and the ongoing dialogue between ancient heritage and contemporary artistic expression. Visitors can witness remarkable features such as the medieval stained-glass windows in the Mariakapel, the majestic Baroque Vater-Müller Organ, and preserved paintings on the vaulted ceilings, all reflecting the architectural and cultural shifts through the ages. The Oude Kerk also serves as a canvas for contemporary artists, creating a unique interplay between historical grandeur and modern perspectives. Highlights include Giorgio Andreotta Calò's striking red glass window from 2018 in the Holy Sepulchre and Misha de Ridder's photographic work #0095 [Inside] from 2017. The exhibition delves into the 'impressive emptiness' of the church after the Reformation's Iconoclasm, yet reveals subtle traces of its Catholic past and continuous restorations, offering a profound experience of art and heritage.

Admission and ticket notes

Visitors can book tickets online to discover the Oude Kerk. Admission grants access to explore the oldest building in Amsterdam and its extensive history and art collection, which includes a free audio tour.

Ontdek de Oude Kerk key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Ontdek de Oude Kerk at Oude Kerk in Amsterdam

Venue
Oude Kerk
Current status
Permanent collection
Exhibition schedule
Permanent display (no announced closing date)
Artist line / attribution
The Oude Kerk features works by various artists across different time periods, including medieval artisans responsible for the intricate stained-glass windows and vaulted paintings. Contemporary interventions include the red glass window by Giorgio Andreotta Calò (2018) and the photographic work #0095 [Inside] by Misha de Ridder (2017).
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