Description
Amsterdam has plenty of street art, but Platanenweg is one of those spots that can stop you in your tracks. The Street Art Platanenweg project by Amsterdam Street Art (ASA) turns an ordinary-looking street into an open-air gallery. You might find yourself thinking, “Whoa, how did I stumble into this?”
Walk down Platanenweg and you’ll spot a riot of colors, shapes, and designs across the buildings. The project is ASA’s way of showing off the city’s creative side, and it does the job rather well. Look closely and you’ll see just how much variety fits along one street.
There are larger-than-life murals, intricate stencil works, and plenty in between. The styles and subjects don’t all match, which is part of the appeal. Your camera roll will probably fill up quickly.
Key Features
Some of the pieces cover entire building facades, so take a step back to see them properly. It’s hard not to wonder how the artists managed to paint at that scale, especially without a set of wings.
The styles range from classic graffiti tags to photorealistic portraits and abstract work. You might do a double-take at one mural, then pause at the next to work out what you’re looking at. It’s a bit like an art history book, only outdoors and without the lecture.
One of the best things is the way the art works with the buildings. Artists use windows, doors, and even drainpipes as part of their compositions, so the architecture feels like part of the artwork rather than just a backdrop.
Some pieces are there simply to look at, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Others touch on social issues or the environment, or make you see everyday life a little differently. Either way, there’s more to notice than just the colors.
Best Time to Visit
The art is outdoors, so you can visit in any season, rain or shine. If you want my two cents, though, the time of year can change the feel of your walk.
Summer is an easy choice: the days are long, the weather’s usually pleasant, and you can take your time without freezing. The colors also look especially bright in the sun. Expect more visitors, though; you won’t be the only one with the idea.
Spring and autumn are my favorites. The weather’s mild, there are fewer tourists around, and the murals look lovely against blooming flowers or golden leaves. It’s a nice time to wander without feeling rushed.
Winter has its own appeal, too. The streets are quieter, and snow, when it comes, gives the artwork a different feel. Dress warmly, and bring a thermos if you’d like something hot while you take photos.
Try visiting at different times of day as well. Soft morning light gives the murals a gentle look, while sunset can throw dramatic shadows across them and bring out their depth.
How to Get There
Getting to Street Art Platanenweg is straightforward, even if recreating one of the murals yourself probably isn’t. I’ve tried drawing, and my stick figures didn’t quite cut it.
From Amsterdam Centraal Station, take tram 14 towards Flevopark and ride for about 20 minutes to the Linnaeusstraat stop. From there, Platanenweg is a short walk away.
If you’re keen to cycle, it’s about a 15- to 20-minute ride from the city center. Head towards Oost (that’s “East” for non-Dutch speakers), and you’ll soon be there. You might even get to say “Waar is mijn fiets?” (“Where’s my bike?”) along the way, though hopefully you won’t need to.
You can also walk from the center, which takes around 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a good way to see more of the city and work up an appetite for stroopwafels afterward.
Once you’re in the area, keep an eye out for the murals. They’re not hard to spot, and wandering along the street feels a little like a treasure hunt. The art’s a pretty good find.
Tips for Visiting
A few things will make a visit to Street Art Platanenweg easier and more enjoyable:
1. Bring a camera, of course. A wide-angle lens is useful if you have one, since some murals are huge and won’t fit easily into a standard shot.
2. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a fair bit, and you may find yourself crouching to get a better angle. Your feet will thank you.
3. Respect the art and the neighborhood. Don’t touch the murals or add your own “contributions”. People live here, so keep the noise down and avoid blocking entrances while you take photos.
4. Get creative with your photos. Try reflections, play with perspective, or include some of the street’s everyday details. Your Instagram followers might appreciate the change from a standard selfie.
5. Consider taking a guided tour. Local experts can point out the best spots and share stories about the artists and their work. It’s also a nice way to meet other people who enjoy street art.
6. Remember to look up. Some of the best pieces sit above eye level, and it’s easy to miss them if you’re only watching your step.
7. Bring water and a snack. There are cafes nearby, but it’s easy to lose track of time while you’re looking at the art. No one appreciates a mural well when they’re hangry.
8. If you can, visit on a weekday. Weekends can be busier, and it’s harder to enjoy a mural when someone’s selfie stick keeps drifting into your shot.
9. Be ready for things to change. Street art is temporary, so a piece you saw online may have been replaced by something new. That’s part of what keeps the street interesting.
10. And don’t rush. Take your time, look around, and sit for a while if you feel like it. There’s no need to turn art appreciation into a race.
