Amsterdam traces its origins to 27 October 1275, when Count Floris V granted local inhabitants a toll privilege: the document often called the city’s “birth certificate.” A modest settlement on a dam in the Amstel grew into a trade hub, and in the 17th century, the city flourished with canal building, global commerce, printing, and the arts. In the centuries since, Amsterdam has rebuilt after wars, expanded beyond the historic ring, and developed a reputation for craftsmanship, openness, and cultural exchange.
The Amsterdam 750 jubilee marks this long arc from riverside village to modern capital. Over the past year, institutions and neighborhoods have presented hundreds of events (exhibitions, concerts, neighborhood histories, and public art) designed to bring the city’s story into everyday streets and squares. The programme now concludes with a 75-hour finale of accessible activities across all districts, culminating in a national celebration on Museumplein. The emphasis is clear: Amsterdam’s history is not only preserved in archives and canal houses; it is lived, shared, and renewed in public space.
Citywide programme overview
“75 UUR” citywide programme (Sat–Mon): Continuous schedule of short talks, performances, workshops, micro-exhibitions and guided moments delivered by libraries, museums, archives, cultural centres, and community partners across all districts. Formats are typically 20–45 minutes and designed for drop-in attendance.
Institutional extras (Sat–Mon): Extended hours, spotlight tours, “object of the day” presentations, and foyer performances at major cultural institutions and district venues.
Street and square activations (Sat–Mon): Busker points, small stages, choral sets, youth dance and storytelling at designated squares, market areas and canal-side sites (wayfinding on-site; QR codes provide nearby listings).
ADE x Amsterdam 750 (Sat–Sun evenings): Anniversary-themed electronic-music and art programme aligned with Amsterdam Dance Event, presented at participating venues.
Photo Credits: jennieramida/Unsplash
Programme by day
Saturday, 25 October
Morning–afternoon (from 10:00)
Opening wave of “75 UUR” pop-ups (all districts):
Short heritage talks, children’s workshops, archive “show-and-tell” sessions, poetry and chamber sets in library atria and civic foyers.Museum and archive spotlights (centre, Oost, Zuid, West, Noord):
30–45 minute highlight tours; curator Q&As; “one object, one story” presentations.
Late afternoon–evening (from 16:00)
Street-level performances (selected squares and waterfronts):
Acoustic duos, youth theatre excerpts, small choirs; rotating 20–30 minute sets.ADE x 750 specials (evening):
Multi-arts nights pairing DJ sets with live instrumentation, visuals or spoken word in participating venues.
Sunday, 26 October
Morning–afternoon (from 10:00)
Family strands within “75 UUR” (all districts):
Craft and history workshops, junior science demonstrations, storytelling corners.Institutional extras:
Short guided tours and foyer performances at museums and archives; rotating curator talks.
Late afternoon–evening (from 16:00)
Street and canal activations:
Busker routes, small ensemble sets, and local choirs at marked sites citywide.ADE x 750 specials (evening):
Anniversary-themed programmes continue at participating locations.
Monday, 27 October — City Birthday and Finale
07:50 Dam Square
Official birthday moment: 75-metre cake
Opening ceremony with Mayor Femke Halsema; 7,500 portions of a massive, picturesque cake will be distributed on Dam Square and dispatched to district hubs. Brief, public, and suitable for all ages.
Daytime (from 10:00)
Final day of “75 UUR” (all districts):
Closing cycles of talks, micro-exhibitions, and short performances; last-chance highlight tours at participating institutions.
20:30–22:00 Museumplein and NPO 1
National Celebration (live, public, broadcast)
A staged musical tribute inside a dome on Museumplein, with split-location duos performing partly from the square and partly from iconic sites around the city.
Artists (announced): Maan, Karsu, Yves Berendse, Wibi Soerjadi, Kris Kross Amsterdam; further appearances to be revealed during the broadcast.
Royal attendance: King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and the Princess of Orange. The King will symbolically light the Light of Amsterdam to close the jubilee year.
Access: Public standing areas on Museumplein (capacity-managed); live broadcast on NPO 1 (NOS) for nationwide viewing.
Practical information
Access and cost: Most listed activities are free or low-cost and open to the public on a first-come basis. Some indoor capacities are limited; arrive early for popular slots.
Wayfinding: On-site signage and QR codes point to nearby events within a 5–10 minute walk.
Crowd management: Expect bag checks and stewarded flows.
Museumplein on Monday evening. If you prefer to avoid dense crowds, the NPO 1 broadcast provides full coverage.
Mobility: Use public transport or cycle; allow extra time around major squares with pop-ups. Many venues are ground-floor; check individual sites for accessibility.
Weather: Outdoor components proceed barring severe conditions; bring layers and rain protection as appropriate.
