Walk in the Steps of Art, Sports and Culture Giants in Amsterdam
Sports And Culture: Amsterdam is well-known for its architecture, artwork and festivals, but you may be surprised to discover how many famous names who call or called this city home. From masters of art to modern sports heroes, how many of these famous folks did you know hail from Amsterdam?
The Art World
One of the most popular attractions for visitors to Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum in the Museum District. Vincent Van Gogh, the Dutch painter perhaps as well known for his tragic life as his stunning works like “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers”, spent much of his life in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam was also home to the painters Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (better known simply as Rembrandt) and Johannes Vermeer. Several of their works can be seen at the Rijksmuseum.
Film and Television
Amsterdam has produced influential figures in the entertainment world who are notable both at home and in Hollywood. Director Paul Verhoeven is one of Amsterdam’s most popular filmmakers. Verhoeven directed some of the most popular sci-fi films of the 1980s and 90s, such as “RoboCop” and “Total Recall”, as well as 2016’s “Elle”.
Amsterdam is also the hometown of television producer and “Big Brother” creator John De Mol, “Manhattan” actress Katja Herbers, and classic television star John Van Dreelen.
Sports
Dutch football player Johan Cruijff has been called one of the world’s best players ever, and he comes from right here in Amsterdam. Cruljff played for Ajax and brought Holland to the 1974 FIFA World Cup final. Footballers Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit also came from Amsterdam.
Music
Electronic dance music is huge in Amsterdam, and the city is home to some of the world’s biggest dance music festivals, like Awakenings and Electronic Picnic. It makes sense that two of the world’s most popular DJs – Tiësto and Armin Van Buuren – call Amsterdam home.
Whether you are an art lover, film buff, football fan or dance music devotee, there are plenty of reasons to explore Amsterdam. Try Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein for comfortable accommodations during your trip.
