STILL A Favourite OF MINE: DISCOVER NEW INSPIRATION IN A BEAUTIFUL MUSEUM
There’s nothing like spending an hour exploring a museum. From fashion and culture to photography and modern art, the Dutch museums offer endless variety. That’s why I’ve created the ultimate museum agenda featuring 20 new exhibitions to visit in January 2025, ranging from Rotterdam to Leiden, and Groningen to Maastricht. Did you know Your Little Black Book has a whole dossier of fun things to do across the Netherlands? Check it out—you might find something to pair with your museum visit. Have fun!
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| TIP: Looking for Instagrammable museums in the Netherlands? Check out the 11 most Instagrammable museums in the Netherlands >>
MUSEUM AGENDA NETHERLANDS: 5 X NEW EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT IN JANUARY 2024
At the Fotomuseum Den Haag, they are hosting not one, but two new exhibitions this month that you don’t want to miss. The first is a special exhibition highlighting the art of Japanese female photographers. From the 1950s to the present, discover their innovative perspectives on photography and society. Expect powerful images, intimate portraits, and unique stories that shed new light on Japanese culture and identity.
January 8 to May 5, 2025, Fotomuseum Den Haag – fotomuseumdenhaag.nl
The second exhibition opening this month is Marleen Sleeuwits – Enter the Cube. At the Fotomuseum Den Haag, Sleeuwits transforms the everyday into abstract artworks. With her installations and photography, she plays with perspective, light, and space, making familiar environments feel suddenly alien. A visual journey that challenges and enriches your view of reality.
From January 18 to May 5, 2025, Fotomuseum Den Haag – fotomuseumdenhaag.nl
ADAM ROUHANA – BEFORE FREEDOM
The young artist Adam Rouhana takes you on a journey exploring identity and shared history. Using a mix of photography, objects, and installations, he examines his Palestinian heritage and the role of cultural legacy. Rouhana’s work is both personal and socially relevant, offering a fresh perspective on themes such as memory and migration.
Until March 23, 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam – kunsthal.nl
SALOMON MESDACH – MASTERFUL PORTRAITS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE
At the Stadhuismuseum Zierikzee, you can explore the work of Salomon Mesdach, one of the most refined portrait painters of the Golden Age. His detailed portraits bring historical figures to life in an astonishing way. This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into 17th-century Zeeland. I personally love art from the Golden Age; seeing how portraits of the wealthy were made and learning the stories behind them makes a visit extra special. Highly recommended for lovers of classical art from the Golden Age.
From January 16 to June 15, 2025, Stadhuismuseum Zierikzee – stadhuismuseum.nl
© tadhuismuseum Zierikzee
NEWS PHOTO AND SPORTS PHOTO OF THE YEAR 2024
In the Atrium of the city hall in The Hague, you can admire the most striking images of the past year. This exhibition showcases the winning and nominated photos from the prestigious News Photo and Sports Photo of the Year 2024 awards. From news moments to athletic achievements: every photo tells a unique story.
From January 14 to January 28, 2025, Atrium Den Haag – atriumcityhall.nl
16 X EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT IN JANUARY 2025
Winter Paleis Het Loo
Experience the magic of winter at Paleis Het Loo! The palace transforms into a Winter Palace with an exhibition showcasing historic winter charm. Stroll through beautifully decorated halls, admire royal Christmas ornaments, and explore the winter life of the royals from days gone by.
Open until January 5, 2025, Palace Het Loo – paleishetloo.nl
Early January, you can still enjoy the most beautiful light festivals across the Netherlands! Check out our overview article on 27 light festivals in the Netherlands >>
Darn!
Are you a fan of fashion and sustainable design? Then the exhibition, Darn! At the Zeeuws Museum is for you. Discover how old clothes are given new life through creative techniques like darning, patching, and embroidery. This traditional craft takes center stage, proving that sustainability and style go hand in hand.
Available from November 30, 2024, to January 25, 2026, Zeeuws Museum – zeeuwsmuseum.nl
Het perfecte plaatje
Are you a fan of the TV show Het Perfecte Plaatje? Good news! At Museum Hilversum, you can view the photos created by Dutch celebrities in the show. From creative portraits to breathtaking landscapes, this exhibition showcases the results of weeks of challenges. A must-see for photography lovers and fans of the show.
Until February 9, 2025, Museum Hilversum – museumhilversum.nl
© Museum Hilversum
MORE EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT IN JANUARY 2025
How Van Gogh Came to Groningen
Curious about how Van Gogh’s art crossed borders? The exhibition Hoe Van Gogh naar Groningen kwam at the Groninger Museum delves into how his work was shown outside France for the first time in 1896. With masterpieces and unique documents, learn about the journey of his art to the Netherlands and its impact on the art world.
On display until May 5, 2025, Groninger Museum – groningermuseum.nl
Grand Dessert
Do you love ending meals with a dessert? The exhibition Grand Dessert: De Geschiedenis van het Toetje at the Kunstmuseum explores the history of these sweet treats. From medieval delicacies to modern creations, this exhibition is a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Available until April 6, 2025, Kunstmuseum Den Haag – kunstmuseum.nl
Maarten van Heemskerck
This fall, the Frans Hals Museum, Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, and Teylers Museum honour the 16th-century master Maarten van Heemskerck with a unique retrospective 450 years after his death. Each museum highlights a different aspect of his impressive career. The Frans Hals Museum showcases his early works, while Alkmaar focuses on his influence as a Renaissance painter.
Available until January 19, 2025 – franshalsmuseum.nl
© Maarten van Heemskerck – Frans Halsmuseum
Dior – A New Look
The Kunstmuseum Den Haag celebrates the master of fashion, Christian Dior. Dive into the world of Dior with an exclusive selection of designs, sketches, iconic photos, and a unique collection of Dior jewellery. Enriched with a special photo series by renowned photographer and artist Viviane Sassen, the exhibition highlights Dior’s timeless influence and boundless creativity.
Available until January 26, 2025, Kunstmuseum Den Haag – kunstmuseum.nl
We’re All People
The Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht presents the exhibition We’re All People, a retrospective of American documentary photographer Joseph Rodriguez. Featuring 75 photos, primarily from the 1980s and ’90s, Rodriguez captures the lives of communities in New York City and Los Angeles. Curated by guest curator Bene Taschen, the exhibit includes iconic series such as TAXI and Spanish Harlem.
Available until February 2, 2025, Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof – fotomuseumaanhetvrijthof.nl
© Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof
Appel and Cobra
Discover the vibrant early years of the Cobra movement at Singer Laren. This exhibition, in collaboration with ABN AMRO, showcases early masterpieces from renowned artists like Karel Appel and Asger Jorn. Admire a selection of rare paintings and graphic works that highlight the naïve expressionist art and freedom of post-WWII Europe.
Available until February 2, 2025, Singer Laren – singerlaren.nl
© Singer Laren
Thomas J Price – Matter of Place
Kunsthal Rotterdam presents the first solo exhibition in the Netherlands by British artist Thomas J Price. Known for his multidisciplinary work ranging from sculpture and performance to photography and animation, this retrospective challenges conventions of material, scale, and presentation while exploring themes of representation and humanism.
Available until February 9, 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam – kunsthal.nl
© Kunsthal Rotterdam
Yes, I Do
The new exhibition Yes, I Do! Showcases 250 years of bridal fashion. Admire iconic wedding dresses, including Queen Máxima’s Valentino design, as well as creations by Dutch designers like Jan Taminiau, Claes Iversen, and Iris van Herpen. From historical pieces to modern works, this exhibition takes you on a stylish journey through time.
Available until February 16, 2025, Fries Museum – friesmuseum.nl
Ja ik wil © Fries Museum
Drawn: Rotterdam! May I Exist?
In the exhibition ‘Drawn: Rotterdam! May I Exist’, artists Ainine, Sioe Jeng Tsao, Tânia Alexandra Cardoso, and Take-A-Way Collective share their personal perspectives on social uncertainty. Commissioned by Rotterdam City Archives and CBK Rotterdam, these artists translated their observations into drawings over the summer.
Available until February 16, 2025, Kunsthal Rotterdam – kunsthal.nl
Joan Miró – Sculptures
Beelden aan Zee presents a unique overview exhibition of the Catalan master Joan Miró. Joan Miró – Sculptures is the first exhibition in the Netherlands entirely dedicated to his sculptural work. Featuring 55 pieces, from vibrantly painted bronze sculptures to ceramics and assemblages, the exhibition showcases Miró’s boundless creativity and experimental approach. Inspired by nature and the beach near his studio, the works are now fittingly displayed by the sea.
Available until March 2, 2025, Beelden aan Zee – beeldenaanzee.nl
© Beelden aan Zee
Queer Horizons
The new exhibition Queer Horizons at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, led by artist Leon Stoffelen, allows ten young people from Schiedam and Rotterdam to explore queer identity and reflect on their city’s LGBTQIA+ history. The life of Jillis Bruggeman, the last person in the Netherlands sentenced to death for same-sex relationships, is also highlighted. Their stories are brought together in a 12-meter-long collage and video installation.
Available until March 9, 2025, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam – stedelijkmuseumschiedam.nl
Bronze Age – Fire of Change
With the grand overview exhibition Bronze Age: Fire of Change, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden highlights the rich heritage of the Bronze Age (2000-800 BC) in the Netherlands and Western Europe. Over 400 archaeological finds, including masterpieces of metalworking such as the famous Golden Hat of Schifferstadt and the Mold Gold Cape, are on display. Everyday objects, like amber beads and the oldest dress in the Netherlands, provide insights into the changing world and its people. This is the first major exhibition in the Netherlands dedicated to the Bronze Age.
Available until March 16, 2025, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden – rmo.nl
© Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Power to the Flower
This month, the newly renovated Drents Museum De Buitenplaats reopens with the festive exhibition Power to the Flower. Admire beautiful floral representations in art nouveau style, featuring works by Dutch artists such as Chris Lebeau and Julie de Graag. The flower symbolizes the museum’s new direction and the promise of a new era. Be surprised by artworks from around 1900 in this special reopening show.
Available until April 6, 2025, Museum de Buitenplaats – museumdebuitenplaats.nl
© Power to the Flower
For you: Amsterdam tips to keep top of mind
The essential tips and (restaurant) shortlists that you always want to have on hand for a dose of Amsterdam inspiration.
► Restaurant hit-list:
new restaurants |
favorite restaurants |
wine bars |
lunch &
brunch |
breakfast |
coffee |
terraces |
coming soon |
more tips >>
► TOP-5 hotels:
The Hoxton LLOYD |
Hotel Jakarta |
Pulitzer |
Volkshotel |
Sir Adam|
more tips >>
► TOP-5 museums & experiences:
Le Foodwalk |
STRAAT Museum |
Fabrique des Lumières |
MOCO |
Amaze |
more tips >>
| PS: don’t live in Amsterdam? Rent a bike here >>
► Fun city trips by train from Amsterdam:
Paris (from €35,-),
Antwerp (from €21,-),
London (from €103,- round trip),
Berlin (from €38,-) &
Düsseldorf (from €20,-)
► Weekend getaway? Discover the most beautiful hotels and
holiday homes in the Netherlands.
With love,
Danique
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