NDSM, the graffiti & street art hotspot of Amsterdam

When you think of street art in Amsterdam, the NDSM wharf is the place to be. This former shipyard has grown into a raw, colorful playground for artists from all over the world. Walls, containers and abandoned warehouses have been transformed into gigantic paintings full of impressive murals, wild graffiti and experimental artworks. But NDSM is more than just street art. It is buzzing with creativity and urban development. Among the artworks of world-famous artists you will find trendy cafés, inspiring studios, an impressive museum completely dedicated to graffiti and street art, and even floating hotels. But until a few years ago, this place was still one of the rough edges of the city of Amsterdam.

The history of the NDSM shipyard

The NDSM shipyard as we know it today once looked very different. Until 1984, this was a bustling shipyard, where enormous iron ships were built and repaired in gigantic sheds and on the imposing Y-slip. The shipyard started as the Nederlandsche Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (NSM) and merged with the Nederlandsche Dok Maatschappij after the Second World War, creating the Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (NDSM) in 1946. At the time, this was one of the most modern and largest shipyards in the world, essential for the reconstruction and trade with the Dutch East Indies. In addition, the economy grew, which also led to a huge increase in the transport of goods and passengers.

The NDSM was seen worldwide as one of the largest and most modern shipbuilding yards in the world and was a very successful and progressive company in the shipping world. A company where many innovations were invented that are still used in shipbuilding and ship repair. But in the 70s the yard had a hard time due to the oil crisis, political decision-making and increasing competition. In 1984 the curtain fell and the factory closed its doors.

What was left behind was a bare, abandoned site. A playground for squatters, artists and adventurers. The shipyards and abandoned buildings were given a second life as a creative breeding ground, where art, craft and experiment came together. This eventually led to Stichting Kinetisch Noord, which was given the green light in 2001 to officially transform the site into a centre for art and culture. Thanks to the efforts of creative pioneers, not only was the shipyard revived, but broader attention was also given to the preservation of industrial heritage in Amsterdam-Noord.

In the years that followed, the NDSM shipyard transformed from an industrial ghost town into a vibrant hotspot. The iconic warehouses and the Y-slope became the setting for street art, festivals and creative companies. In August 1994, Dogtroep performed Noordwesterwals for a month on this slipway. The team that created this performance was – as is customary with Dogtroep – composed internationally and consisted of 30 employees. Noordwesterwals was a spectacular performance with 1,2 million litres of water in the leading role. A reprise followed in 1995.

All the activity and new functions of the site were accompanied by the arrival of a new connection in the city. The NDSM shipyard ferry (line F4) sailing from the Central Station to the NDSM site. This ferry was established around 2002 when new facilities were opened on the shipyard site. In the same year, the over ninety-metre long Russian submarine Foxtrot also found its place in the IJ. Arriving by ferry, this submarine was a remarkable beacon for the quays of the shipyard for 17 years.

The ship, built in 1956, was originally part of the Russian Soviet fleet and was purchased in 1991 for one million guilders by entrepreneurs from Den Helder, where it was on display for a number of years. The ship was then sold to a new owner and found its place in Amsterdam. During these years, the submarine was provided with tags and pieces, in keeping with one of the new functions of the shipyard, namely a legal graffiti spot in the city, with one of the last texts being 'Foxtrot we will miss you'. On 16 December 2019, the submarine left for its last journey with Vlaardingen as its final destination, where it was dismantled.

Little is known about the period between the closure of the shipyard and the arrival of the creative businesses in the early 90s. Parts of the complex were squatted at the time and were used by creative people and unfortunately it was also an area where drug practices, illegal racing and other forms of crime were the order of the day. The image that is sketched in a newspaper article from 1990 is one of a desolate place where the grass grows between the paving stones and the doors of the abandoned public buildings rattle in the wind. An industrial graveyard, where the word graffiti is used to describe an abandoned porch. From 1993 onwards, the artists also settled under the slope and anyone who arrives by ferry now sees nothing of the desolate place that the NDSM shipyard was for a long time. The 30.000 square meters in total are full of apartment complexes and shops, restaurants, businesses, a museum, workshops have made the shipyard an integral part of the city of Amsterdam.

The only thing that still reminds us of the free space that the terrain has been for a long time, are the tags and pieces on the walls that are not designated for this purpose. Officially, only the walls of the museum and the containers that have been made available are freely available for making outdoor art. The culture has changed and on the walls where graffiti is not allowed, there are now signs with a spray can and a prohibition sign. Instead of illegally applied (memorial) pieces, graffiti workshops are now given occasionally and Street Art walks are organized.

Yet it is still one of the few places in Amsterdam where graffiti artists can show their work and, just like in the past, serve as an example for the new generation. Old and young stand side by side practicing street art – and just like in the past, techniques and knowledge are being transferred and shared.

A breeding ground for street art in Amsterdam-Noord

From abandoned industrial estate to an indispensable part of Amsterdam: the NDSM wharf is now the place where art, hospitality and creativity come together. What was once a raw free space is now a lively district full of apartments, shops, cafés, creative workshops and even a museum for street art and graffiti. Even large companies such as Paramount Benelux, Viacom Nederland and Pernod Ricard Nederland have settled here. The wharf is bursting with energy all year round, with festivals, art markets and cultural events. For example, NDSM is the regular location for well-known music festivals such as DGTL, Pleinvrees and the annual art festival Over het IJ as well as for events such as Sneakerness and Kingsland.

However, the wharf has not completely lost its raw character. Everywhere you can still see tags and murals that remind you of the graffiti scene of the past. Officially, only the walls of the street art and graffiti museum on NDSM and special containers are freely available for graffiti, but the street art culture is still alive here. Between the colorful walls and impressive murals there are also various other works of art. Such as the Monument of Manaf Halbouni, a powerful symbol on the NDSM square. Art is everywhere here, in all forms.

What is there to do at NDSM in Amsterdam?

There is always something to do at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam. Stroll through the famous IJ-hallen, the largest flea market in Europe, and score unique vintage finds. Or play a game of basketball on the 3x3Unites basketball court with a view of the colorful street art murals. Visit the STRAAT museum, the exhibitions at Nieuw Dakota, or get creative yourself during a graffiti workshop on location at NDSM. In between, enjoy a delicious coffee at the IJ-kantine, a bite to eat and a drink at Pllek with its relaxed beach vibes, a tasty lunch in IJver in a characterful ship's shed, or at Noorderlicht and Cannibale Royale du Nord with a beautiful view over the IJ.

Too tired to go home after all that exploring? Consider spending the night on the premises in one of Amsterdam’s most unique hotels. Sleep on the water in the sleeper boats Botel and Kapitein Anna, or take to the heights: at the Faralda Crane Hotel you’ll stay in a real crane, in one of the three super deluxe suites, including a hot tub on the top floor. Or opt for a stay in the creative Treehouse NDSM or the stylish DoubleTree by Hilton. Plenty of choice!

Admire impressive street art at the STRAAT museum

Where better to fit a street art museum than in the creative heart of Amsterdam? In the STRAAT Museum, the raw industrial atmosphere and colorful murals come together perfectly. What started as an initiative of Street Art Today, grew into an impressive collection of artworks by international top artists. Founder Peter Ernst Coolen took the first step with a one-off collaboration, but soon the idea for a permanent museum dedicated to street art and graffiti in Amsterdam emerged. Read more about the origins of street art in amsterdam.

The iconic Anne Frank painting on the outside wall immediately catches your eye upon entering, a powerful symbol that perfectly matches the expressive and often social themes of street art. Inside, you can admire gigantic murals, ranging from political statements to pure visual art. Discover the museum at your own pace or book a guided tour for fascinating stories about the art and its creators.

Looking for an inspiring location for an event? The STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam can also be rented for meetings, parties, drinks, private dining and corporate events. With an exhibition space of 8000 m² and more than 180 works of art, this location offers a unique and creative setting. Make your event or outing extra special by combining it with a graffiti workshop on location in Amsterdam. Perfect as a company outing, team building activity, bachelor party or children's party.

Create your own street art and graffiti on the NDSM site

In addition to admiring enormous murals, you can also participate in a graffiti workshop at the STRAAT Museum. These workshops are specifically aimed at children and pupils in primary and secondary education, and offer an introduction to street art. The workshops are relatively short, especially when combined with a street art tour in the STRAAT Museum. After putting on protective clothing, you usually have about 30 minutes to get started with the spray can.

The focus is on experiencing graffiti, without taking a work of art home with you. The guidance is practical: the materials are prepared and you can discover how it works yourself. If you are looking for a first introduction to street art, then this is a fun activity. Are you looking for a workshop with real personal guidance, a well-structured team building program and a tangible end result that you can take home? Then book a graffiti workshop on location with us.

From abandoned industrial estate to an indispensable part of Amsterdam: the NDSM wharf with its raw and industrial atmosphere is now the place where art, hospitality and creativity come together. Discover colorful murals, trendy eateries, festivals and get started with graffiti and street art under supervision at NDSM in Amsterdam.

Looking for a graffiti workshop in Amsterdam?

Are you looking for a cool, urban and industrial location for a creative outing? The NDSM wharf in Amsterdam is the perfect place! We have been organizing our graffiti workshops here for years as a company outing, incentive, team building activity and as a bachelor party or children's party. During our workshop you will learn the basics of graffiti, from sketching to spraying techniques. Under the guidance of experienced artists you will get the chance to create your own work of art in a completely safe and legal way. Read more about our graffiti workshops in Amsterdam.

We provide an inspiring and well-structured program where everyone can express their creativity. After a short introduction about safety and materials, the group is split up and the program begins. First, you practice the basic techniques individually, after which you work in a team on a joint work of art. At the end of the workshop, the works of art are evaluated, and you can take the result home with you as a tangible memory.

Want to attend a graffiti workshop in the inspiring surroundings of NDSM in Amsterdam? We make it possible.

• Unique location: Work in the iconic and inspiring street art environment of Amsterdam.
• Professional guidance: Experienced and motivated artists will guide the entire workshop.
• Accessible to everyone: You don't need any experience, everyone (from 11 years old) can participate.
• Perfect for groups: Ideal as a company outing, incentive, introduction to Amsterdam or creative activity with friends.

Want to make your visit complete? Combine the workshop with a visit to the impressive NDSM street art museum, or book a street art tour through Amsterdam with us. We offer our graffiti workshop also at other graffiti and street art locations in Amsterdam and if desired even at your location, where we will of course cover the necessary.

Visiting NDSM in Amsterdam-Noord? Here's how to get there

The NDSM site is surrounded by water, with the Cornelis Douweskanaal, Zijkanaal I and the IJ as natural borders, but fortunately the location is easy to reach. The best way to get there is by free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station, which will take you to the NDSM quay in 10 minutes. For those who prefer to travel by car, the site can be reached via the A10 ring road to Amsterdam-Noord or via the IJ tunnel from the city centre. Parking is available on site, although it is wise to check in advance whether there are any major events, as it can be busy then.

Want to know more about the NDSM shipyard?

Want to experience the creative energy of the NDSM wharf yourself? Book a graffiti workshop in Amsterdam, discover the impressive street art with a street art tour, or stroll around and be inspired by the raw art that makes this place one of the most special locations in Amsterdam. Contact us for questions and discover the possibilities!