When the opportunity arose to spend a month in Amsterdam during the UK’s second coronavirus lockdown, I jumped at the chance. However, I had just a few days to organise a flight out of the country before the lockdown officially commenced. I ended up booking one of the only available flights from Gatwick, which meant taking a 3.5-hour train journey from my home to catch my flight. But it was worth the effort. Here is a review of a few (COVID permitting) activities that I was lucky enough to experience throughout my spontaneous stay in Amsterdam.
Moco Museum
On the second day that I arrived in the city, I learned that museums were closing imminently due to the Dutch government’s tightening of coronavirus restrictions. I made the spontaneous decision to visit the Moco Museum on the second day I arrived since I was eager to experience the Banksy and Studio Irma exhibition.
Luckily, I found a 50% discount for the museum, so the ticket only cost around 10 euros instead of the usual 20 euros. Moco Museum advertises promotional discounts regularly.
Museumplein is home to the Moco Museum (right next to the Van Gogh museum, which I would also recommend). It boasts a small, yet impressively eclectic collection of unique artworks. Upon entering, you’ll find yourself immersed in the quirky, political, and socially conscious artistic world forged by anonymous Bristolian street artist Banksy.
Banksy
The Moco Museum is home to one of my favourite Bansky artworks Battle of the Beanfield – a satirical take on the excessive police force and brutality. The scene illustrates five riot police officers jubilantly skipping through a pastured meadow, denoted by the richly green painted background, clutching dainty flowers in their hands. As with all Bansky’s artistic, political statements, all is not as it seems….
A placard next to the art explains the unsettling story behind the image. Banksy’s art interprets the 1985 Battle of the Beanfield. This tragic event occurred when Wiltshire Police attempted to place an injunction on The Peace Convoy, made up of New Age travellers, to stop the group from organising the Stonehenge Free Festival. Violent shortly ensued: police officers clashed with the new-age travellers and witnesses claimed that the police reacted aggressively to the community’s actions.
Banksy’s art is a sharp-eyed critique of state brutality, juxtaposing nature and community’s serenity alongside the alleged brutal actions of the police during the tragic event.
Studio Irma
I was excited to see Dutch artist Studio Irma’s light installations at the Moco, and the art did not disappoint. Upon entering, I was in awe upon seeing the iridescent flood of colour-transitioning lights reflected from the numerous cascading diamond-shaped light bulbs. The colour-changing bulbs were exaggerated by the mirrored ceilings, floors and walls, which bounced the vivid lights across the surfaces and made spectacular viewing.
The adjacent room boasted a rectangular mirrored space with digital images of intricate mandala patterns projected upon one wall and reflected all around the room by the mirrors. Like the previous room, the patterns transitioned, conjuring a live art experience. The intimacy of the small space in the second room made for a more immersive artistic experience. The museum is the place to go if you want a really groovy Instagram photo.
Amsterdam Markets
Albert Cuyp
One of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam is to visit the Albert Cuyp market to experience all the weird and wonderful foods and products on offer. If you want to try an array of cuisine worldwide, the Albert Cuyp market is your best bet. Or if you’re anything like me, and you’re desperate to try the notorious Dutch Stroopwafel, then look no further than this market where you’ll find authentic Stroopwafels made fresh in front of your eyes. You can even choose from a range of toppings. I have a penchant for the original Stroopwafel with syrup – the name literally translates to “syrup waffle”.
Spui
If delicious cuisines from across the globe aren’t your thing, and you’re perhaps more intellectually parched than anything else, then head over to the delightful Spui book market. This idyllic market is nestled in the heart of Amsterdam city. I stumbled across this market by accident, and as a voracious reader, the beautiful array of second-hand books displayed artfully across the stalls attracted me.
Finding a book written in English, that’s to your liking, might prove challenging, unless obscure Dutch books are your thing. Either way, it’s a great experience to peruse the extensive collection of books on offer at this wonderfully charismatic market.
Jordaan
Last but not least, Jordaan is the crème de la crème of markets in Amsterdam. Located in the quaint suburb of Jordaan, this market offers chic, vintage, designer coats nestled amongst coffee stalls (did you even go to Amsterdam if you didn’t spend all your money on coffee?). The market also offers second-hand books and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Oh, and not forgetting the delightful Dutch pancakes: mini rounded pancakes smothered in sugar and lemon that taste as good as they look. Jordaan market offered the best priced Dutch pancakes that I came across.
But it’s not just about buying food at the markets; the bustling atmosphere is fantastic. Markets seem like a place where young people come to meet with their friends. So, if the foods I’ve just described don’t sell it for you, I’d take a trip to the markets to experience the Dutch way of life.
Shannon Cook 