STRAAT Museum

The basics

Visitors to STRAAT can get to know the stories behind the art and the whole graffiti movement thanks to the museum’s contextual information displayed next to the artworks—a bonus to seeing street art inside a museum rather than on the actual streets—and guided tours are available on the weekend for those who wish to dive deeper. The artworks are created on site and the collection is constantly growing, so there's always a chance of catching artists in action. The museum also runs workshops suitable for all street artistry levels.

Look out for packages that combine admission to STRAAT with a cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canal belt.

Things to know before you go

• STRAAT occupies an industrial warehouse with uneven floors—wear good walking shoes.

• There is no heating inside the museum’s vast spaces, so dress accordingly.

• The museum’s café, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors, overlooks the exhibits.

How to get there

STRAAT is located in the former shipyards of NDSM in the Amsterdam-Noord borough. The best way to get there is via a 15-minute (free) ferry ride across the IJ River from Amsterdam Central Station, or a 7-minute ferry ride from Pontsteiger. There are also bus stops within walking distance of STRAAT.

When to get there

The museum is open every day, all year round—hours are typically from late morning until early evening. (Note: It is closed on January 1.) Allow yourself at least one hour to see the exhibitions. Keep an eye on the museum’s calendar for details on upcoming events, such as artists at work in STRAAT.

Moco Museum

Travelers with a taste for cutting-edge art should next head to Amsterdam’s Modern Contemporary Museum (Moco Museum). The museum is known for its contemporary artworks, including a number of pieces by some of the world’s most established street artists: Think Banksy, Icy and Sot, and JR, as well as work by visionaries including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Tracey Emin, and Yayoi Kusama.

Ways to explore

Plan to spend anywhere from two to several hours exploring the STRAAT Museum. Get to know the stories behind the art and the graffiti movement in general, thanks to contextual information displayed beside the artworks. Guided tours are available on the weekend for those who wish to dive deeper. Many artworks are created on-site and the collection is constantly growing, so there’s always a chance of catching artists in action.

Look out for packages in Amsterdam that combine admission to the STRAAT Museum with other popular tours, such as a cruise through the city’s historic canal belt.

Accessibility

The exhibition is on the ground floor, but this industrial building does have uneven floors that may limit accessibility. While an elevator provides access to the gallery and café, the panorama deck is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Small bags only, a notebook to record any interesting tidbits

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for navigating uneven floors, layers of warm clothing (the museum is cold during winter months)

Not allowed

Large backpacks, suitcases, umbrellas, spray cans, tripods, selfie sticks

Amenities

A café overlooking the exhibits, restrooms, lockers for storing small bags and jackets

Address

STRAAT Museum is located in the former shipyards of NDSM in the Amsterdam-Noord borough. The best way to reach the museum is by public transportation.

Driving

Public transit is recommended to reach this museum, though it is possible to drive. The address of the museum is: NDSM-Plein 1. Parking is available at the APCOA and Parkbee parking garages on the NDSM terrain.

Public transportation

The most scenic way to reach the museum is by a free 15-minute ferry across the river from Amsterdam Central Station or a seven-minute ferry ride from Pontsteiger. Alternatively, you can take bus lines 391 or 394 from Amsterdam Central Station to Klaprozenweg, or bus 35 or 36 from Noorderpark (accessible via Metro line 52) to Atatürk. Both stops are a short walk from the museum.

Best times to visit

STRAAT Museum is generally open from 10am to 5pm, but check the website for the most up-to-date information. Morning hours, especially during the week, offer the quietest experience.

Best days to visit

The museum is open seven days per week, with slightly shorter hours on Mondays. Choose a weekday for a more peaceful experience and more space to enjoy the exhibits.

Best months to visit

This museum is open year-round, but note that the interiors of this former warehouse can be quite cold during the colder months (November–March). The shoulder seasons (April– May and September–October) might offer smaller crowds and more pleasant weather.

Special events

The STRAAT Museum offers a range of special events, from workshops to a children’s treasure hunt to exhibits featuring partnerships with other museums. Check the website to see what’s on.