Why you really don't want to miss the exhibition about Artus Quellinus at the Royal Palace on Dam Square

Okay, honestly? Until a few years ago, I'd never been inside the Royal Palace on Dam Square. And I'm sure I'm not the only one! But believe me, the moment you walk in, you'll immediately understand why this building was once Amsterdam's city hall. And this year, there's another reason to go: until October 27th, the spectacular exhibition about Artus Quellinus On display. This is the sculptor who literally shaped this building. His work is hidden throughout the palace. He created iconic statues like the famous Atlas, but also refined sculptures in the richly decorated Citizens' Hall and narrative reliefs like "the Night Watch of sculpture": the Vierschaar (see the photo at the bottom of this article). And did you know that Quellijnstraat in De Pijp is even named after Artus Quellinus? I just went to see the palace myself, and the exhibition is truly impressive and surprisingly fun with kids.

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Artus Quellinus: From forgotten name to sculptor of Amsterdam

His name might not ring a bell (yet), but without Artus Quellinus, the Royal Palace on Dam Square would look very different. This Flemish master spent years in the 17th century creating the hundreds of sculptures that grace the building. And especially for this exhibition, over a hundred masterpieces from around the world have been brought together in his magnum opus: the Royal Palace itself. Think marble goddesses, bronze statues, and ivory miniatures, from bombastically large to breathtakingly detailed.

A few highlights you'll want to see:

• A gigantic statue of Saint Peter from Antwerp.
• A fountain with Pallas Athena from a German museum.
• And yes: the Zingarella from the Louvre, a statue that Quellinus himself once saw in Rome and which would influence him forever.

The entire exhibition feels like an artistic journey through time through Baroque Amsterdam. It's truly impressive to see how one artist has had such an impact on the appearance of our capital. Even if you're not particularly fond of sculpture, you'll never look at the Palace the same way again after a visit.

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© Jeroen van der Meyde

Also recommended with children: searching for animals in marble

Are you visiting Amsterdam with kids, or looking for a cultural outing that's also fun for children? Then the special family program "Animal Spotting in the Palace" is a great tip. Did you know that hundreds of animals are hidden in the Palace's sculptures? From lions to snakes and even fantasy creatures, all made of marble, but so delicate that it seems you could just touch the scales, feathers, or hair. A scavenger hunt full of fun activities challenges children (ages 5 and up) to really look closely. Where's that rabbit? And what's that bird doing up there? While they explore, you, as a parent, will likely learn just as much about the symbolism and details you'd normally completely overlook. The program is cleverly structured: not academic, but rather inquisitive. And the best part is, you'll suddenly see the Palace with completely different eyes yourself. That's one of the best things about being a mom, in my opinion... seeing the world through your kids' eyes! 

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© Dymas Vreede

Artus Quellinus – Sculptor from Amsterdam, Useful to know:

• What: Exhibition 'Artus Quellinus. Sculptor of Amsterdam'.
• Where: Royal Palace Amsterdam, on Dam Square.
• When: Until October 27, 2025.
• For whom: Suitable for everyone, also fun with children.
• Admission: Free for children under 17 and Museum Card and City Pass holders. Regular admission is €13,50.

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the Vierschaar © Benning & Gladkova