Where Street Art Becomes a Masterpiece
If you are looking for something colorful, bold, and completely different from Amsterdam’s traditional museums, the STRAAT Museum on the NDSM shipyard is a must-see. This impressive street art and graffiti museum celebrates creativity on a monumental scale, featuring works from some of the world’s most recognized street artists, including Brazilian muralist Eduardo Kobra, whose remarkable Anne Frank portrait greets visitors near the entrance.
Located in Amsterdam Noord, just a short ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station, the STRAAT Museum occupies a massive former industrial warehouse that once played a central role in the city’s shipbuilding history. Today, those same steel beams and concrete walls display vibrant murals, bold colors, and thought-provoking works by over 150 artists. The blend of industrial heritage and contemporary art gives the space a unique and energetic atmosphere.
Each piece inside the museum tells a story, from the powerful Niké mural that symbolizes strength to the enormous Medusa mural that mixes mythology with modern themes. As you walk through the enormous open hall, you will discover both huge wall-sized paintings and smaller details that invite closer attention. The curators describe the museum as a “love letter to street art,” and it truly feels like one.
The STRAAT Museum is also designed to be welcoming to everyone. It is a wheelchair-friendly museum with wide walkways and open spaces that make it easy to enjoy the artwork. Visitors can buy tickets at the museum ticket office, stop by the gift shop for prints or souvenirs, or relax with a coffee at the café overlooking NDSM Square, where the creative energy of Amsterdam Noord is on full display.
What makes this museum special is how it reflects the spirit of Amsterdam itself: artistic, diverse, and full of stories waiting to be explored. In the next section, we will take a closer look at the hidden gems around NDSM, including local cafés, outdoor murals, and artist studios that make this district one of the most inspiring corners of the city.
Hidden Gems and Creative Corners Around the STRAAT Museum
Discovering the NDSM Shipyard
The NDSM shipyard is one of Amsterdam’s most fascinating areas to explore. Once a bustling industrial site where ships were built, it has now become a playground for artists, designers, and curious visitors. The moment you step off the ferry from Amsterdam Central Station, you’ll notice how the area is filled with color and creativity. Massive outdoor murals, including the famous Anne Frank mural by Eduardo Kobra, cover the old shipyard walls. Nearby, you can also find other monumental artworks such as the Niké mural and the Medusa mural, both created by international street artists who contributed to the area’s open-air gallery feel.
Wander through the site and you’ll see more than just art. Reclaimed shipping containers have been turned into studios and cafés, while the industrial warehouses now house creative offices, markets, and event spaces. The contrast between raw industrial history and the modern art scene makes this neighborhood one of the most unique parts of Amsterdam Noord.
Food and Relaxation Near STRAAT
After taking in the colorful art inside and outside the STRAAT Museum, you will probably want to relax with something to eat or drink. Fortunately, NDSM Square and the surrounding area offer plenty of choices. Stop by Pllek, a sustainable restaurant built from old shipping containers, where you can enjoy organic dishes while sitting by the water. For something sweet, try IJver, a stylish spot located inside one of the old warehouses that serves Dutch favorites, craft beers, and international comfort food. Both locations are perfect for taking a break and watching ferries cross the river.
If you are visiting on a weekend, look for pop-up food stands and creative markets that sometimes appear near the museum. They often feature local products, handmade crafts, and live music, which adds to the laid-back, artistic vibe of the area.
Street Art Beyond the Museum Walls
The art at the STRAAT Museum does not stop at the entrance. Around the NDSM shipyard, you’ll find dozens of impressive murals painted on walls, cranes, and even boats. Some are part of ongoing street art projects that continue to evolve over time. The Street Art Museum Amsterdam often collaborates with STRAAT and local artists to create new works that transform the entire neighborhood into an outdoor art experience. Bring your camera because every corner offers a new surprise.
If you are a fan of museums, you can also combine your visit with a trip to the Moco Museum in the city center, which features contemporary and pop art by artists such as Banksy and Warhol. Together, these two museums give you a full picture of Amsterdam’s modern creative scene, from graffiti to gallery masterpieces.
Stay Central and Explore More of the Netherlands
For travelers who want to see even more of the country, staying somewhere central is a great idea. Bungalow Park ’t Eekhoornnest in Soest offers comfortable vacation bungalows surrounded by forest, making it easy to reach Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and other Dutch highlights in a short time. After a day filled with art, culture, and sightseeing, it is the perfect place to relax and plan your next adventure.
