Amsterdam in February 2027: Best Exhibitions, Festivals, Markets & Cultural Events
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Feb 2
- 9 min read
February in Amsterdam is one of the city's most underrated months to visit. Winter still lingers along the canals, yet the days gradually grow longer, creating a welcoming atmosphere for exploring museums, historic neighborhoods, cultural venues, and cozy cafés. With fewer visitors than during peak travel seasons, February offers a more relaxed and authentic Amsterdam experience.
Throughout February 2027, Amsterdam hosts an appealing mix of exhibitions, festivals, performances, art fairs, and seasonal events that showcase the city's rich cultural life. Whether you're planning a romantic winter getaway, a museum-focused vacation, or a sophisticated city break in the Netherlands, February is an excellent time to discover Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist highlights. Here is a curated guide to the top exhibitions, festivals, markets, and cultural events taking place in Amsterdam in February 2027.
👉🏼 Being put off by the cold winter weather in Amsterdam? Read my Practical Guide to Cold-Weather Urban Travel.
Best Museums and Art Exhibitions in Amsterdam (February 2027)
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s great museum cities. Here are some of the most interesting exhibitions and cultural experiences happening this month.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands, is dedicated to Dutch art and history.
Located on Museum Square, it displays more than 8,000 artworks and historical objects, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals.
Temporary Exhibition
The Art of Drawing
This exhibition explores the revolutionary transformation of drawing techniques in the Northern Netherlands around 1600, highlighting the expanding range of materials, techniques, and subjects used by artists of the period. Featuring more than 100 works from leading European and American collections, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to trace the evolution of drawing as an artistic medium. Later this year, the exhibition will travel to the Morgan Library & Museum in New York.
📅 Exhibition dates: February 12, 2027 - May 23, 2027
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, this museum holds the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world. It also showcases works by artists who influenced him or were influenced by him.
Stedelijk Museum
Amsterdam’s museum of modern and contemporary art and design, covering works from the late 19th century to the present. Artists featured in the permanent collection include Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich and Karel Appel.
H’ART Museum (Former Hermitage Amsterdam)
This museum hosts rotating international exhibitions.
Current Exhibitions
Chez Matisse
The exhibition, organized in collaboration with Centre Pompidou, will feature more than thirty paintings, sculptures, and prints by Henri Matisse, alongside works by contemporaries such as Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Sonia Delaunay, and Le Corbusier, as well as later artists influenced by his legacy, including Barnett Newman, Ellsworth Kelly, and Mark Rothko.
📅 October 3, 2026 – February 14, 2027
Allard Pierson Museum
This is an archaeology and special collections museum in the heart of Amsterdam, showcasing treasures from the ancient world alongside thought-provoking temporary exhibitions.
Rembrandt House Museum
Step inside the house where Rembrandt lived and worked during the height of his fame in the Dutch Golden Age.
Visitors can explore: Rembrandt’s reconstructed studio, Etchings and drawings and Works by his students.
Foam Photography Museum
One of Europe’s leading photography museums, Foam presents four rotating exhibitions at a time, featuring both emerging and internationally known photographers.
👉🏼 Photography enthusiast and planning your visit? Read: my photography category posts here.
National Maritime Museum
A fascinating museum dedicated to Dutch maritime history.
Highlights include: historic maps, ship models, maritime artifacts and a full replica of a Dutch East India Company ship.
Temporary Exhibition
The exhibition Crimson Gilt created by visual artist Vincent Ruijters is an art installation based on the replica of the Dutch East Indiaman Company merchant ship "Amsterdam." The installation includes gold and crimson ribbons, images, and sound.
📅 Temporary exhibition dates: September 17, 2026 - March 21, 2027
Royal Palace Amsterdam (Dam Square)
Still used by the Dutch Royal Family for official state events, this magnificent 17th-century palace is open to visitors when not in official use.
Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church)
Temporary Exhibitions
In celebration of WorldPride 2026, hosted this year in Amsterdam, De Nieuwe Kerk presents Queer Amsterdam: The Pink City. This major exhibition traces the rich and layered history of Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ community—a powerful story of culture, love, resilience, and freedom that helped shape the city’s identity as one of the world’s most progressive capitals.
📅 Dates: July 9, 2026 – April 4, 2027
Museum of the Canals
An interactive museum located inside a 17th-century canal house, telling the story of how Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring was built.
Eye Filmmuseum
Amsterdam’s stunning museum of film and cinema.
The Jewish Cultural Quarter of Amsterdam
In the heart of historic Amsterdam, the Jewish Cultural Quarter brings centuries of resilience, faith, and cultural brilliance to life. This moving collection of sites offers an intimate look at Jewish history in the Netherlands — from the grandeur of the Portuguese Synagogue to powerful stories of survival and heritage.
For a truly meaningful visit, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance and arranging a private guided tour to fully understand the depth, historical context, and personal stories behind these remarkable landmarks.
Jewish Museum
Located in a former synagogue complex, the Jewish Museum explores Jewish history and culture in the Netherlands through multimedia presentations, art, and photography.
Unique Attractions to Visit in Amsterdam
If you’re looking for something beyond traditional museums:
Body Worlds Amsterdam
A fascinating exhibition exploring the human body using preserved anatomical specimens.
STRAAT Museum – Street Art
The largest street art museum in the world, located in a former shipyard warehouse.
Moco Museum
A popular museum showcasing works by artists such as:
Banksy
Andy Warhol
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Yayoi Kusama
Banksy Museum Amsterdam
A newer museum dedicated to the mysterious British street artist Banksy, featuring over 160 artworks and recreated murals.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Amsterdam
(Great for Visiting with kids or Grandkids especially on a rainy day)
Fabrique des Lumières – Immersive Digital Art
Fabrique des Lumières presents three stunning immersive exhibitions blending classical, modern, and contemporary art with advanced projection technology, light, and music.
🎟️ Main Exhibition: Buy tickets for the “Monet – Master of Impressionism” video art experience
🎟️ Dutch Masters: Buy tickets for the “From Vermeer to Van Gogh” video art experience
🎟️ Prehistoric Planet – Buy tickets for the Dinosaur video art experience
A visually spectacular experience for art lovers of all ages.
📅 Ongoing exhibition
Rembrandt Immersive Experience
Located not far from Leidseplein, this multimedia exhibition explores the life and artistic world of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.
The experience includes an immersive video installation and a reconstruction of Rembrandt’s studio on the Rozengracht, offering visitors a glimpse into his creative process.
📅 Ongoing exhibition
Nxt Museum – Digital & Media Art
The Nxt Museum is the Netherlands’ first museum dedicated entirely to new media art.
This innovative museum blends art, technology, light installations, and digital storytelling, creating a fascinating experience that appeals to both art lovers and younger visitors.
Expect immersive video installations, light projections, and interactive exhibits that explore the intersection between creativity and technology.
Amaze Amsterdam
Located in a former industrial nightclub in Amsterdam’s western harbor district, Amaze Amsterdam is a fully immersive audio-visual experience.
The attraction spans 3,000 square meters and eight different stages, combining music, light, visual art, and interactive environments designed to stimulate the senses.
The experience lasts about an hour and moves visitors through a series of unique sensory environments — from energetic and playful to calming and atmospheric.
WONDR Experience
A colorful and playful immersive attraction featuring 15 themed rooms designed for fun and creativity.
Visitors can explore rooms filled with disco balls, oversized installations, a life-size dollhouse, and playful karaoke booths.
It’s an especially enjoyable stop for families traveling with children or teenagers, and it’s one of Amsterdam’s most entertaining interactive experiences.
The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam
One of Amsterdam’s largest interactive museums, designed around optical illusions and surreal environments.
The museum features upside-down rooms, playful installations, and visually striking spaces that invite visitors to explore and take memorable photos.
It’s a lighthearted and entertaining experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
👉🏼 You may also enjoy reading: Amsterdam with Kids and Teens – Family Travel Guide
Festivals, Performances & Art Fairs – February 2027
Vegas Show & Dinner Experience
A spectacular dinner show featuring Dutch illusionist Hans Klok, live music, and dance performances.
📅 Weekends (tickets sell out quickly)
Supperclub Night Experience
Supperclub offers immersive dining and live performances in an energetic, theatrical setting for guests 21+. A unique evening experience blending music, art, and fine dining.
📅 Thursdays–Saturdays
Fair: Chocoa 2027
One of the world's leading chocolate events, featuring more than 100 exhibitors from over 35 countries dedicated to sustainable, high-quality chocolate production. Visitors can enjoy tastings, workshops, and meet chocolate makers from around the globe. Held at the historic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam.
📅 Dates: February 20–21, 2027
Festival: IMPRO Amsterdam
An internationally acclaimed improvisational theater festival bringing together top improv performers from around the world for a program of live performances and professional workshops. The festival takes place at Amsterdam's Zonnehuis Theater.
📅 Dates: February 2027
Fair: Art on Paper Amsterdam
A specialized art fair dedicated exclusively to works on paper, including drawings, charcoal works, ink illustrations, watercolors, gouaches, and collages. The event showcases contemporary artists and galleries at De Kromhouthal in Amsterdam.
📅 Dates: February 11–14, 2027
Fair: Huishoudbeurs 2027
The Netherlands' largest and most established lifestyle exhibition, featuring hundreds of exhibitors, more than 300 brands, live demonstrations, workshops, shopping opportunities, and the latest trends in home, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle products. Held at RAI Amsterdam.
📅 Dates: February 20–27, 2027
Best Weekend Markets in Amsterdam – February 2027
Pure Markt
A high-quality food market featuring some of the best artisanal food producers in the Netherlands.
📍Frankendael Park 📅 February 21, 2027
🕚 11 AM – 5:30 PM
IJ-Hallen Flea Market
One of the largest flea markets in Europe, with hundreds of stalls selling vintage items, antiques, clothing, and collectibles.
📍 Amsterdam Noord
📅 February 6-7, 2027
🕚 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday Market
A lively market selling fashion, jewelry, design, art, and food.
📍Westergas 📅 February 7, 2027
🕚 12 PM – 6 PM
Museumplein Market
A charming Sunday market offering art, handmade goods, food, and live music.
📅 February 21, 2027
🕚 10 AM – 6 PM
Planning a visit to Amsterdam in January?
February is one of the quietest and most rewarding months to visit Amsterdam. The city’s streets are less crowded, the canals take on a distinctly wintery charm, and an occasional snowfall can add an extra layer of magic to the scenery. At the same time, Amsterdam’s world-class museums, exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events create an atmosphere that feels elegant, inspiring, and distinctly local. It is the perfect time to experience the city at a slower pace while enjoying a sophisticated blend of art, fine dining, and authentic European winter ambiance.
🚶♀️ Private tours in Amsterdam – in-depth storytelling, living history, and hidden gems tucked between the canal houses
🌿 Curated day trips beyond the city – picturesque villages, Dutch landscapes, and local treasures
🖼️ Art and museum tours – from the Dutch Masters to the contemporary art scene
While writing the post, I am checking the information, but dates and details may change and events may be canceled at short notice.
A quick note: bookings made through the links may earn me a small commission. Thank you for the support 🫶🏼
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