STRAAT Museum – Street art and Graffiti

Amsterdam is home to many famous art museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. STRAAT both fits in perfectly and stands out in the best way possible. The art in the world-renown museums once impacted the world of fashion, design and culture in a major way, today street art and graffiti have the same impact.

The museum fits the art on show perfectly, both inside and out. It is set in an old 8000 m² industrial warehouse, which is as rough and radical as the art on display. The museum doesn’t aim to be comfortable, there is no heating inside and floors can be uneven, much like the art wants to challenge you.

The works on display rotate frequently, while more art is added to the collection constantly. If you plan your visit carefully, you can even watch how artists create new pieces on the spot. The many artists whose work is on display are a representation of the international street art movement and have earned their rep with their personal stories, background, style and talent.

The art on show was made to be seen at STRAAT; just like street art out on the street, the works are made on location. Even the outside of the building is part of the collection, with a giant multi-coloured portrait of Anne Frank. The building is located in the former NDSM wharf, which is an art gallery in itself as well as a national monument. Everywhere you look, from walls to cranes and containers, is covered in fresh paint from Amsterdam’s long-vibrant graffiti scene.

Inside the art is just as big as it would be as if the artists took to the walls outside on the streets. The difference is that, as a museum, STRAAT ads context and information about the art. So you can learn all about the artists true meaning with their pieces, which you can’t learn anywhere else.

The NDSM wharf was once a hidden gem of Amsterdam, but it is gaining more visitors every day. Tours now include it on their routes and so should you during your visit to Amsterdam. Get your tickets to STRAAT and get ready to explore Amsterdam’s raw northern district.