This weekend, the iconic NDSM shipyard will be all about pure human craftsmanship. The Ambacht in Beeld Festival fills the gigantic warehouse with the scent of fresh wood, molten glass, and centuries-old traditions from all corners of the world. Visitors will see rare skills up close and immediately roll up their sleeves to try their hand at them.
The NDSM Warehouse as a Giant Workshop
The raw NDSM Warehouse in Amsterdam-Noord will be transformed into a massive, bustling workshop for two days . On over 20,000 square meters of industrial floor space, master artisans from the Netherlands and abroad will come together to demonstrate time-honored techniques and share them live with the public.
The event isn’t about selling ready-made products, but about the raw experience of the creative process itself. Visitors will come face-to-face with experts in historical restoration, stone carving, glassblowing, and traditional woodworking.
From Caribbean basket weaving to glassblowing
Visitors can immediately join hands-on workshops and masterclasses to learn rare skills for themselves. From blending perfume and painting Delft Blue tiles to felting hats: the workshop takes on countless forms. Special attention is given to intangible cultural heritage, with live demonstrations of Surinamese and Caribbean basket weaving, traditional embroidery, and woodcarving.
In addition to hands-on creation, sustainability takes center stage at the Repair Shop. Here, specialists demonstrate how historical restoration work and smart repair techniques breathe new life into damaged objects. A program featuring in-depth lectures, film screenings, and exhibitions rounds out the cultural experience at the NDSM-Loods.
Practical Information & Accessibility
Would you like to experience the craftsmanship at the NDSM shipyard for yourself this weekend? Use these practical details to plan your visit:
- Location: NDSM Warehouse, Amsterdam-Noord (NDSM-Plein 85)
- Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tickets: Advance online sales €10.00 ( €12.50 at the door). Children 13 and under get in free (but must reserve a free ticket). CJP cardholders receive a €2.50 discount, and Stadspas holders can enter for free at the door.
- Workshops: Many demonstrations are free with your admission ticket. A surcharge applies for specific workshops and masterclasses.
- Access: From Amsterdam Central Station, take the free GVB ferry toward NDSM-Werf. Paid parking is available on site.
