Best independent art galleries in Amsterdam
Discover Amsterdam's vibrant contemporary art scene at Online Gallery. The city hosts a wealth of independent galleries that provide young artists with an essential platform in their early careers while also introducing international and established names to the Dutch art market. There's always something new to discover with constantly changing exhibitions and accessible art events. Here you'll find a convenient selection of Amsterdam's best galleries to start your exploration. Don't forget to check the gallery websites before you go, as reservations may be required.
Ellen de Bruijne Projects
With a focus on feminist, socially engaged, and performative art, Ellen de Bruijne Projects supports a diverse range of international artists working with various media. Located on the edge of the Jordaan, the gallery organizes the Dolores Project Space, where installations and works in progress are exhibited. Visitors are guaranteed encounters with challenging themes and conceptual pieces related to the present day.
Address: Singel 372
Galerie Ron Mandos
This beloved Galerie Ron Mandos first opened its doors over 20 years ago in Rotterdam but has since moved to a spacious location on the Prinsengracht, for which the Amsterdam art scene couldn't be more grateful. With an impressive line-up of Dutch and international artists, their welcoming public program encompasses screenings, talks, and openings to help you get to grips with some of the most exciting work being produced today.
Address: Prinsengracht 282
Upstream Gallery
Housed in the palatial surroundings of a 17th-century canal house, Upstream Gallery focuses specifically on radical, conceptual, and post-internet art. The contrast between the elegant, classical architecture and cutting-edge, contemporary work always makes for a fascinating viewing experience - quite different from your average 'White Cube' space.
Address: Kloveniersburgwal 95
Gerhard Hofland
With a unique emphasis on artists working from abstraction, Gerhard Hofland has grown to be one of the most prominent galleries in Amsterdam. Over the years, the gallery has introduced an array of international names to Dutch audiences and has kickstarted the career of various young artists. Along with a variety of abstract and figurative art, the exhibition program is often focused on large-scale installations and Photo Brut artists.
Address: Bilderdijkstraat 165C
Bildhalle
In 2020, Amsterdam's photography fans were thrilled to welcome one of the most well-respected Swiss galleries to their new space in the Jordaan. Bildhalle curates an expert selection of established names from the 20th century alongside a host of emerging international talents. Delve into exhibitions celebrating a fantastic range of photographic styles, from street photography to conceptual figurative shots and genre-smashing abstract work.
Address: Hazenstraat 15
Roy Kahmann Gallery
This esteemed Roy Kahmann Gallery has been a fixture in Amsterdam's art scene for over a decade, showcasing captivating works from both established and emerging artists. Originally founded in the heart of Amsterdam, the gallery has built a reputation for its commitment to excellence and innovation. Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, from mesmerizing photography to thought-provoking installations.
Address: Hazenstraat 27
Galerie Fons Welters
What started 30 years ago in an old garage in the Jordaan has since evolved into one of the city's most important galleries, with an international presence. The iconic front door by artist Joep van Lieshout still gives a nod to the building's humble beginnings. Fons Welters built its reputation by finding young, unknown talents and bringing them to the art world's attention. The gallery has both a front and back exhibition space, allowing them to display two exhibitions at once, ensuring a visit here is always double the fun.
Address: Bloemstraat 140
Annet Gellink Galerie
With a focus on Dutch and international art, Annet Gellink has been showcasing groundbreaking work in central Amsterdam for over two decades. You can expect to see exhibitions of everything from drawing, painting, and photography to installation and video art spread across the main gallery and The Bakery project space. The latter functions as a springboard for up-and-coming local talent.
Address: Laurierstraat 187-189
GRIMM
With an exciting roster of up-and-coming and mid-career artists, two spaces in Amsterdam and one in New York, GRIMM has firmly secured the Dutch capital a prominent position on the international stage. Expect to see works in various mediums, including sprawling figurative paintings, intricate installations constructed from reclaimed electrical wires or animal pelts transformed into breathtaking ceramics and bronzes.
Address: Van Baerlestraat 80 en Keizersgracht 241
AKINCI
Established in the late 1980s, AKINCI represents a diverse array of contemporary artists engaging with socio-political, ecological, and gender questions in their work. On the program, you'll find exhibitions in various media, including cross-overs between sound, architecture, painting, sculpture, film, and installation. The gallery functions as both a solid home base for the artists who joined in the founding year and a career-building platform for newer generations.
Address: Lijnbaansgracht 317
Stevenson
Stevenson is a cosy gallery tucked away down a hidden alleyway in the Nine Streets with a focus on contemporary art from South Africa and the African Diaspora. Since 2003, the gallery has developed a highly respected program, helping African artists gain access to the international market and promoting exchange with artists from around the world. The gallery has spaces in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Amsterdam and is regularly visible at the biggest art fairs.
Address: Prinsengracht 371B
Galerie Bart
Always on the hunt for artists with a playful sense of humor, Galerie Bart represents both established and emerging names who have graduated in the Netherlands. Expect to see exhibitions of painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and installation or a merging of media - always presented in an open-to-all way. On the agenda, you'll occasionally find other disciplines such as film, word art, music, and performance represented through small-scale events.
Address: Elandsgracht 16
