Culture News in English

A bunch of bicycle stretchers and one automobile: this is what Amsterdam's first ambulance service looked like

Around 1900, the newly formed municipal health service in Amsterdam launched the city's first ambulance operation using bicycle-mounted stretchers. This service was created to respond to various local...

Trump announces plan to ban major media, including CNN, from White House

Donald Trump has announced an immediate ban on several major media organizations, including CNN and Politico, from the White House, accusing them of spreading misinformation. Press freedom groups have...

Jörgen Tjon A Fong leaves Amsterdam Arts Council for Council for Culture

Jörgen Tjon A Fong has been appointed as the incoming chair of the national Council for Culture, effective January 2027. Currently serving as head of the Amsterdam Arts Council, Tjon A Fong will tran...

For the last time: the Batavia sails through Amsterdam this weekend for repairs

The 17th-century VOC ship replica Batavia will be towed through Amsterdam this Saturday for its final voyage. The vessel is heading to the Damen Shiprepair shipyard in Amsterdam-Noord to undergo maint...

NOS newsreader Iris de Graaf 'blindsided' by postnatal anxiety

NOS newsreader Iris de Graaf is experiencing severe postnatal anxiety following the birth of her first child in July. She describes her current situation as an overwhelming challenge and has been open...

Parents at football club SDZ start petition against shelter nuisance: ‘Somali man walked around naked, attacked people with belt’

Parents at the SDZ football club in Amsterdam-West have launched a petition following multiple safety incidents involving residents from a nearby shelter. The group is demanding action after reported ...

Teddy Swims to release second album in January

American singer Teddy Swims is set to release his second album this January, describing it as a vulnerable reflection of his personal growth and life experiences over the past two years. The artist wi...

NAP+ art fair in Markthal seeks to distinguish itself: ''Atmosphere less commercial''

The NAP+ art fair is currently taking place at the Centrale Markthal in Amsterdam, featuring 53 galleries with a focus on affordability and a less commercial atmosphere. The event aims to support emer...

Bankruptcy of Haarlem slaughterhouse inevitable, but politicians want a fresh start

The Slachthuis music venue in Haarlem has filed for bankruptcy due to significant financial debts, forcing an end to the current organization's operations. Despite the closure, local politicians and c...

Peace Week Haarlem kicks off: 'Harmony is an obstacle to peace'

Haarlem is celebrating a ten-day Peace Week focused on fostering community connection and meaningful dialogue about social harmony. The event features various activities including debates and discussi...

Ode to Nicole Kidman by Slovak pop star Adéla storms the charts

Slovak pop star Adéla Jergová has reached global music charts with her song Nicole Kidman, a tribute inspired by the actress's film roles. The track has received public praise from Kidman herself, w...

Ajax still without new signing Yves Bissouma for home match against Excelsior

Ajax will face Excelsior this Saturday without new midfielder Yves Bissouma, who is not yet eligible to compete. The team is also dealing with several injuries, including Daley Blind and Simon Adingra...

René Froger cancels anniversary show due to illness but wants to perform with Toppers

Singer René Froger has canceled his December 18 anniversary show because his ongoing struggle with myositis prevents him from performing at his usual standard. He plans to prioritize his recovery and...

Kebab Amsterdam has a great excuse not to try their best, but thankfully doesn't use it

Kebab Amsterdam is a kebab shop located on the Ceintuurbaan that avoids the common trap of serving subpar food to its convenient, high-traffic customer base. The shop offers high-quality veal döner a...

What needs to change for you to feel safer?

A public discussion is being organized to address necessary changes to better protect women and girls against sexual harassment and violence. Residents are invited to participate and share their persp...

Editorial boards and journalists often face legal pressure

A survey of journalists and editorial boards in the Netherlands indicates that over half of journalists frequently face legal threats and intimidation in their professional work. These pressures, whic...

Mauritshuis must return painting to heirs, says Minister Letschert

Minister Letschert has mandated that the Mauritshuis museum return a 17th-century painting to the heirs of art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. The decision aligns with a Restitutions Committee report conf...

Podcast | Grief over Ben Saunders and sister Diana prompts reaction from Charles

This podcast episode, hosted by Lara Zevenberg, Michiel Vos, and Roos de Ridder, covers the latest entertainment news. The discussion includes reactions following the grief expressed by Ben Saunders a...

Teylers Museum in Haarlem acquires early drawing by Adriaen de Vries

The Teylers Museum in Haarlem has acquired a rare early drawing by the Dutch sculptor Adriaen de Vries. Believed to date from the early 1580s, the piece depicts a reclining female nude and is consider...

British politicians investigate UK's Eurovision failure

British politicians are investigating the United Kingdom's recent poor performance at the Eurovision Song Contest to understand why the country consistently ranks near the bottom. The committee plans ...

Daan Schuurmans debunks Sinterklaas rumors: 'I know who will do it'

Actor Daan Schuurmans has officially denied speculation that he will replace Stefan de Walle as the new Sinterklaas. While he confirmed he knows who will take over the iconic role, the broadcaster NTR...

Nazi-looted art returned to Goudstikker heir, this time from the Mauritshuis in The Hague

The Dutch government has ordered the return of a 17th-century painting from the Mauritshuis to the heirs of Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. Investigation confirmed the piece was looted by the N...

We are making our buildings increasingly sustainable

Building sustainability is being improved through the installation of solar panels, heat pumps, and insulation. These measures, including green roofs and facades, are designed to prepare buildings for...

'Mister Ajax' Sjaak Swart honored with own balcony at De Toekomst: "A class of his own"

Ajax legend Sjaak Swart has been honored with a balcony named after him at the club's De Toekomst training complex. The 88-year-old, known as 'Mister Ajax,' was celebrated by supporters for his iconic...

Zechiël and Van Bommel in first Oranje squad under coach Xavi, Memphis left out

New head coach Xavi has named his first Dutch national team squad, including debutants Gjivai Zechiël and Ruben van Bommel while omitting Memphis Depay. The team will play four Nations League matches...

Ronan Keating to perform concert at AFAS Live next year

Ronan Keating will perform at AFAS Live in Amsterdam on September 6, 2027, as part of his Just Getting Started World Tour. The concert will feature a mix of his solo hits and classic Boyzone tracks, w...

Ten percent chance of human extinction, but jeez, is Humberto Tan becoming a father again?

Film Academy staff at odds with director: Tears flow in meetings

Approximately half of the staff at the Netherlands Film Academy in Amsterdam have signed a letter criticizing the leadership of director Tzara Tristana. The employees cite serious concerns regarding w...

Actress Sanne Vogel marries after nine-year engagement

Actress and director Sanne Vogel has married her partner after being engaged for nine years. The celebration followed a challenging period for the 42-year-old, who previously underwent multiple surger...

Colombian singer J Balvin and girlfriend split after nearly ten years

Colombian singer J Balvin and his partner of nearly ten years, Valentina Ferrer, have officially ended their relationship. The couple, who share a son named Río, stated that the decision was made wit...