Going Dutch: Cities as Art

Our member Mr S. Roy is no stranger to the Netherlands. His son lives in Eindhoven and each time he travels there, he immerses himself in his love for the arts and the cityscapes.

Eindhoven, though primarily known as an industrial hub, surprises visitors with its well-planned layout and cleanliness. On my most recent trip in August, I also explored Lemmer for the first time. This charming seaside town has an intriguing feature: the sea was brought inland, creating shallow waters where a road extends far into the water. These stretches are perfect for swimmers to wade in safely. The picturesque setting, with well-maintained houses, colorful gardens, and friendly pets, gave Lemmer an idyllic, postcard-worthy charm.

In Amsterdam, I never fail to visit the Museumplein. I relish taking in the masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, particularly Van Gogh’s iconic works at his dedicated museum and Rembrandt’s pieces in the Rijksmuseum. I’m always struck by the thoughtful curatorial methods at these museums, which distribute cards to highlight enlarged sections of exhibits. They are useful in guiding the visitor’s gaze towards intricate details and techniques.

Another highlight of my trip was Rotterdam, a city famed for its port and distinctive architecture. The bridges here are breathtaking works of art in themselves. The Erasmus Bridge, for instance, is an architectural marvel with its unique asymmetrical design, where one end differs strikingly from the other. Across the Netherlands, art spills beyond museums and into urban landscapes, buildings, and public spaces.

Walking through each city on foot allowed me to appreciate the parks, where the Dutch have adopted a refreshing, modern approach. Trees and greenery are left to grow naturally, creating a raw, unmanicured beauty. This progressive mindset reflects the broader cultural shift in the Netherlands. Museums now openly address the country’s colonial past, fostering important discussions amongst the younger generations. Similarly, graffiti depicting the refugee crisis transforms walls into platforms for global social commentary.

Art in the Netherlands is far more than a hobby; it is woven into everyday life, serving as a tool for reflection, critique, and celebration. It was truly uplifting to spend time among people who are sensitive, forward-thinking, and proud contributors to the global community.

(As narrated to Support Elders by our member.)