Discover the Oude Kerk: An Exhibition of Amsterdam's Oldest Building, Art, and Heritage

Explore Amsterdam's oldest building and over 700 years of city history through art and heritage. The exhibition highlights the unique interplay between the Oude Kerk's ancient Gothic architecture and contemporary artistic interventions, offering insights into its multifaceted past and present.

The Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building, invites visitors to delve into over seven centuries of history and art. This exhibition showcases the building's evolution, from its medieval origins to its present-day role as a venue for contemporary art. Visitors can explore its rich history, evident in elements like medieval stained glass windows in the Mary Chapel, the Baroque Vater-Müller Organ, and paintings on the vaults. The exhibition also features the red stained glass window by Giorgio Andreotta Calo from 2018, illustrating a special interplay between ancient heritage and contemporary art. The narrative touches upon significant historical moments, such as the Reformation and the Iconoclasm, which led to the simplification of the church's interior, yet traces of its Catholic past remain visible in the vaults and chapels. Contemporary artists engage with the building's history and architecture, with works by Misha de Ridder also highlighted. The exhibition emphasizes the feeling of 'impressive emptiness' within the vast Gothic hall, a concept echoed by writer Milan Kundera, and invites visitors to experience the layers of history embedded in the very structure of the church, including the tombstones on the floor, one of which belongs to Rembrandt's wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh.

Book your visit now to explore the Oude Kerk and its history. Ticket information and booking can be found via the provided link, with daily opening hours and specific Sunday times available.