ARCAM - Architecture Centre Amsterdam

ARCAM (Architecture Centre Amsterdam) is an organisation which deals with architecture and urban development in Amsterdam. It undertakes research projects and hosts exhibitions and talks.

It is housed in a compact 3-storey building on the Prins Hendrikkade in the Oosterdok area, not far from NEMO Science Museum and the Maritime Museum.

The building was designed by René van Zuuk Architects and was completed over 2002-2003 at a cost of €1.6 million. It has an interesting mixture of glass facade and a curved zinc-coated aluminium roof and side panelling.

arcam amsterdam waterside view — ARCAM – glass facade on waterside side

arcam amsterdam north west aspect — ARCAM – north-west aspect

The ARCAM bulding is split over 3 floors and has a floor space of 477m². At street level you will find the entrance and this floor hosts the main (temporary) exhibition and a curtained-off introductory video space. The small bookshop sells Amsterdam architecture-themed books and walking guides to various Amsterdam suburbs.

The current main exhibition is Urban Sky Lab – Designing for drones in the city which runs 29 Mar to 30 Jun 2024.

arcam amsterdam exhibition area — ARCAM – exhibition area

ARCAM Amsterdam Model City Haven-Stad installation — ARCAM – Model City Haven-Stad installation

arcam temporary exhibition — ARCAM – temporary exhibition (Urban Sky Lab 2024)

arcam amsterdam bookshop — ARCAM – bookshop

On the lower floor at waterside level there is a meeting space which has a wall presentation called Timeline Amsterdam 2000-2030 – on how Amsterdam and its urban landscape have changed since 2000.

arcam meeting space — ARCAM – meeting space

arcam amsterdam timeline since 2000 — ARCAM – Timeline Amsterdam 2000-2030

On the top floor there is a small exhibition corridor and the glass partitioned ARCAM offices. At the end (on the west side) is a small lounge with seats.

arcam amsterdam top floor window — ARCAM – top floor window

arcam - exhibition corridor top floor — ARCAM – top floor exhibition corridor

arcam amsterdam office space — ARCAM – office

arcam amsterdam lounge area — ARCAM – lounge

ARCAM is worthy of a visit if you have an interest in modern architecture. Entrance is relatively cheap and a visit will take around 30-60 minutes. The light and airy iconic building offers some pleasant views of the surrounding area.

ARCAM Essential Info

ARCAM Opening Hours Tue-Sun 1300-1700, closed Mondays.
ARCAM Tickets & Admission €4 for adults, €2 for students. Free for children 0-18 and I Amsterdam City Card holders.
How to Get to ARCAM ARCAM is easily reached on foot in about 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. Walk east onto Oosterdokskade, cross the bridge to NEMO Science Museum and continue along the waterfront. By public transport take GVB bus 22 (direction Muiderpoort) or 48 (direction Houthavens) from the Central station IJ-side. Get out at stop Kadijksplein and walk 5 mins.
Address / Contact ARCAM, Prins Hendrikkade 600, 1011 VX Amsterdam T: +31(0)20 620 4879, arcam.nl

ARCAM Opening Hours

Tue-Sun 1300-1700, closed Mondays.

ARCAM Tickets & Admission

€4 for adults, €2 for students. Free for children 0-18 and I Amsterdam City Card holders.

How to Get to ARCAM

ARCAM is easily reached on foot in about 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. Walk east onto Oosterdokskade, cross the bridge to NEMO Science Museum and continue along the waterfront.

By public transport take GVB bus 22 (direction Muiderpoort) or 48 (direction Houthavens) from the Central station IJ-side. Get out at stop Kadijksplein and walk 5 mins.