Top 5 Zaandam Art & Culture Spots: A Local’s Review

Zaandam, you know, it’s almost like this cool little town just north of Amsterdam that’s really full of character and charm. Beyond those seriously famous, almost iconic, colorful houses, Zaandam’s actually got a surprisingly cool and, in a way, almost thriving art and culture scene just waiting to be explored. It’s almost that a lot of people just pass through, seeing, in that case, just the surface. But trust me, alright, if you actually dig a bit deeper, you might find that you discover spots that’ll, very, grab your attention, too. So, in that respect, here are my, actually very personal, top 5 spots that kind of give you that real taste of Zaandam’s unique artistic flair. It’s worth noting, though, this very personal list skips places such as MonetAtelier, that’s obviously all about Monet who famously painted here in Zaandam in 1871, basically this list aims for more broader ‘art & culture’ attractions around Zaandam.

1. Zaans Museum: History with a View, In a Way

First off, alright, the Zaans Museum, located close to the Zaanse Schans windmills, which, you know, is more or less essential for, like your classic Dutch postcard. Very, the museum isn’t only about those windmills, though. So, the Zaans Museum really displays the history, that, and kind of the culture of the Zaan region. Which it does through very engaging exhibits on things like, in some respects, local costumes, there, the region’s industrial past, basically, and even, too it’s almost, that iconic Verkade chocolate and biscuit factory. Which might seem an odd thing to feature in a museum. As a matter of fact, very, the real highlight is possibly the view. From the museum, there’s actually just a, like your, pretty spectacular sight overlooking the Zaanse Schans. This blend of both history and, naturally, a killer view is what makes it very, actually worth your time. Be aware that due to it’s location, you might, too it’s almost, find lots of tourists here, so that being the case, consider buying your entry tickets online upfront to bypass the queue and safe precious time.

2. Hembrugterrein: From Bullets to Brushes

The Hembrugterrein, or “Hembrug Site,” it could be described, it’s almost, a place like no other. So, this used to be, at the end of the day, a, just, huge, former ammunition factory. Which sounds a bit dull, so it’s arguably been reborn into a super dynamic hub for, something like your, creative businesses, artisans, or galleries, for instance, and event spaces. Basically, walking around you might discover industrial buildings hosting art exhibitions, could be independent film screenings, I mean you name it. Clearly, the area often has sort of a raw, that, edgy, almost urban feel to it. This it is gives you just a great insight into Zaandam’s transformation and maybe a glimpse into its creative heart, alright. The site tends to be outside of the direct center, in this situation that’s why you might get there by bus or, in other words, with an Uber / Taxi if you don’t own a car.

3. Het Zaantheater: Catch a Show

Want something, in fact, a little bit more on the, like your, conventional side? Then Het Zaantheater might just do the trick for you. Anyway, this theater has, almost, a really varied program. The program includes, you know, everything from plays and musicals, very, to dance performances and comedy shows. Of course, so seeing a show here, in other words, it isn’t simply just entertainment. It might also, actually give you that very good chance to engage with the, like your, local arts scene, and basically maybe see some, actually really talented performers from, potentially, right across the Netherlands. That being the case, it is always worth checking their calendar as, still, some performances do attract, just a little, like your well known celebrities. Make it an unforgettable evening.

4. De Fabriek: Art-House Cinema

For something totally different, De Fabriek may just appeal if you are an Indie movie lover. First off, this isn’t, for instance, your average, just, run-of-the-mill cinema. Right, so De Fabriek is, kind of, an arthouse cinema that tends to show independent films, possibly documentaries, almost anything like that, that. The kind of thing you do not normally find in the major chain movie theatres. Also, or, there’s very, almost, usually a film-related event or a festival happening there. As I was saying, if you’re, alright, a film buff looking for, say, something that’s off the beaten path, that’s the place you want to go to. But even better, basically, is that the café there could be considered a place to debate, and share your opinion on last movies watched.

5. The Streets Themselves: Architecture as Art

Actually, this might sound cheesy, almost too cliché, but sometimes the very best art can actually be found just by walking around and, say, simply keeping your eyes open. Now, really, I encourage you to, actually, take a stroll through Zaandam’s, like your, older neighborhoods and definitely pay very, real attention to the architecture. Clearly, from those, in other words, world-famous, green wooden houses of the Zaanse Schans to the very modern, just, striking Inntel Hotel, styled, similarly to, like, a stack of those traditional houses. You can usually find artistic expression sort of everywhere, or maybe unexpected creative design in, well, basically every corner you might, too it’s almost, turn. Still, taking in the atmosphere that, and looking at, in a way, even just the little details may, naturally, give you, definitely, an appreciation for the kind of character of the area. Don’t forget to bring, something like your, camera to capture this! Then the next time someone is posting ‘generic’ pictures from Amsterdam’s canals you will show something much more original.