NDSM is a former shipyard located on the banks of the river IJ in Amsterdam Noord, the neighborhood has become a huge cultural hub in recent times due to a lively community of artists and cultural associations who became interested in the area and decided to start their business in a place with such a special atmosphere.
The old Warehouse houses various exhibitions and that's where you can find numerous artists who make art in very different ways and conceptions, admission is free and it's literally a feast for the eyes with its multicolored and multi-composed structures: nowadays festivals, shows, exhibitions and a host of other cultural events take place in its surroundings.
The neighborhood was built using the industrial structure of the old shipyard, that's why it's plain to see Containers colored with glitter paint be used as apartments by NDSM student residents, and are truly considered full-blown houses.
Let's talk now about one of the most amazing clubs in NDSM and Amsterdam itself: SEXYLAND, starting first of all from the name, the club initially stood inside an old sexshop located in the red light district, the building was not in excellent condition so the business was moved elsewhere but the owners decided not to change the attractive first name…
SEXYLAND therefore has absolutely nothing to do with the libertine life of Amsterdam but is rather a daredevil conceptual club project, is based on the ideas of sharing, co-working and mutability. Crossing the threshold of the restaurant every day, it could happen that you find some changes, and discover a completely different place.
This is because SEXYLAND is a club that changes 365 days a year, every day the place is rented to a different owner and therefore can give a completely new feeling: from art exhibitions to rap concerts, strobe light dinners and even classical music concerts. It is nothing but a splendid multifaceted Tabula Rasa.
Another iconic place definitely worth mentioning is the venue Northern lights: compared to the previous one this could be considered a traditional live music venue but the musical offering is certainly extraordinary! We go from jam sessions to live performances by indie and folk musicians, conferences, festivals that can even last a few days. All in front of the splendid NDSM pier, surrounded by wooden structures, benches, plants and boats.
Last by mention but not least is the market of IJ-hallen also housed in the large Warehouse. It's about the largest open-air market in Europe which is held every 3 weeks and due to its considerable extension it is literally possible to find anything there, visiting it is an experience and for this reason it is necessary to pay an entrance fee of 5 euros, 2 euros for children.
Walking in this particular post-industrial district of Amsterdam you can feel a sort of special atmosphere, surrounded by cultural associations, bicycles, ships and graffiti that invite you to make Art rather than Money…this is NDSM.
All the photos in this article were taken by Gerardo Iannacci and all rights to the above are reserved to him
