For 55 nights, the historic center of Amsterdam will be illuminated during the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Special exhibitions of sculptures and artworks by contemporary established and emerging artists will transform the city center into a celebration of light every evening from November 28 until January 17, 2106.
Many participants are international, like Swedish artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic, whose “Northern Lights” sculpture will cross the River Amstel.
Projections on historic buildings, installations on the streets and in other public areas, and interactive works – some that visitors can walk through -- are on view during the festival, which returns for the fourth time this year. The artwork can be enjoyed from the water and on foot.
The Water Colors boat route offers a 75-minute tour on Amsterdam’s famous canals that passes alongside, under and through some of the works. The Illuminade walking route, which takes about 90 minutes (open from December 10 until January 3) is available to do on one’s own or on a group tour. It winds its way past 20 light artworks through the “culturally rich neighborhoods” of Weesper and Plantage in Amsterdam East, according to the festival’s organizers.
On the evening of Saturday, December 19, visitors can catch the inaugural edition of the Amsterdam Light Parade, as boats, boasting lights, music and entertainment, sail past Central Station and through all of the Prinsengracht before turning onto the Amstel and continuing along through the Red Light District before ending at Oosterdok.
The Dutch capital offers an extensive side-program of activities and events that take place at museums, theatres, restaurants, shops and other locations during the festival.
Click here for more information about the Amsterdam Light Festival and here for what else is going on in the city.
Janus van den Eijnden
