A Day in the North

Straat Museum

Being a local from Melbourne, street art and grafitti hold a special place in my heart. So when I heard that Amsterdam had a museum featuring my favourite medium I had to check it out. The STRAAT museum is set in an 8000 m2 former warehouse on the NDSM wharf and holds over 180 stunning artworks by international artists. As soon as you step off the ferry from Centraal Station you can find the museum, guided by plenty of outdoor artworks. This warehouse setup allows you to immerse yourself in an explosion of colours and creativity. Upon entry you can wander around the free space or book a tour if you like to gain some extra info.

There’s no set time that you have to leave, so there’s no reason not to take a seat at the elevated café and look down at the massive mural pieces. Personally, I grabbed a coffee and took a minute to enjoy the space. The café has a lovely set up with balcony seats and plenty of food options from smoothies to sandwiches.

After finishing at the museum there’s a lovely walk along the waterfront that you can enjoy, either to get to the Noord Station after a 30 minute walk or to just spend time before catching ferry to the city again.

If you have a chance, STRAAT is a good reason to check out the north of Amsterdam and check out art that speaks to some of our most urgent and creative social matters.

Wondr Experience

Filled with 15 art installations in multiple rooms, the Wondr Experience allows you to let your inner child run free. And your actual child if you have one. Only a ten minute walk from the Noord Station it’s easy to find your way to the colourful building.

This place has an explosion of sensory adventures. From rooms where there’s nothing but shimmering reflections to adult ball pits, there’s something for everyone. It’s definitely a place to be enjoyed with other people as it can be slightly overwhelming to go by yourself. If you have the chance, grab some friends and go to let your inner child roam free.

And if the rooms aren’t enough you can take the opportunity to go rollerskating. The ‘Roller Dreams’ experience sweeps you away into a disco paradise of neon lights and bopping music. You can grab a drink, get a groove on and feel like you’re living in a classic 80’s movie.

If you’re done with these two activities you can grab a snack at the Galaxy Café. Grab a grilled sandwich, enjoy a coffee or indulge in a cosmic cocktail! The café provides a good space to chill after exerting yourself in the rooms or the rink, a perfect spot to grab a bite with your friends before heading home.