NDSM Amsterdam and Urban Street Art Culture
Amsterdam | Netherlands
The NDSM in Amsterdam is a prime alternative photography and videography location in Amsterdam. It offers a unique composition style, blending edgy aesthetics of old factories, street art, and modern elements, complemented by an eclectic and diverse population.
Copy & Photography by Thomas Milton | Published on 03 May 24, updated on 26 Nov 25
NDSM is a prime alternative photography and videography location in Amsterdam. It offers a unique composition style, blending edgy aesthetics of old factories, street art, and modern elements, complemented by an eclectic and diverse population.
The Netherlands Dock and Shipbuilding Company (NDSM), this old port area located in Amsterdam Noord, where docks and old ship factories were located, is now an emerging cultural hotspot. This area hosts the largest flea market in Europe and the Straat Museum, which is a unique street art gallery displaying building-sized collections.
It's also home to local creative businesses within the NDSM shipyard, concerts, bars, restaurants, a yellow submarine hotel, a crane hotel, and a massive boat hotel. There was once a war submarine docked here intended to be used as a nightclub, but this plan didn't succeed — unfortunately. The area also hosts an active graffiti artist community. On sunny days, these artists create new murals and art along the NDSM building and other spots around. Amongst these is the famous life-size Anne Frank mural by Eduardo Kobra, displayed at the Straat building called "Let me be myself."
Needless to say, the NDSM is a prime alternative photography and videography location in Amsterdam. It offers a unique composition style, blending the edgy aesthetics of old factories, street art, and modern elements, complemented by an eclectic and diverse population. Some docks and old ship factories are succumbing to gentrification, as shown by new construction and high-rise developments. But the unique spirit and essence of NDSM remain strong, seemingly prevailing over gentrification so far.
“The Cold War submarine was an idea of two entrepreneurs to turn the sub into a nightclub—somehow that didn’t work very well.”
“Straat Museum is the world’s largest street art museum. The experience is like walking through an urban graffiti paradise.”
“Some docks and old ship factories are succumbing to gentrification, as shown by new construction and high-rise developments. But the unique spirit and essence of NDSM remain strong, seemingly prevailing over gentrification so far.”
