Yesterday in Art History
2004 – Death of Mary Dresselhuys
On May 19, 2004, renowned Dutch actress Mary Dresselhuys passed away. Known as the "Queen of the Dutch stage," her career spanned over six decades, leaving a significant mark on Dutch theater.
1994 – Death of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
On May 19, 1994, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former First Lady of the United States and a prominent figure in arts and culture, passed away. Her influence extended internationally, including in the Netherlands, where she was admired for her cultural contributions.
1536 – Execution of Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was executed on May 19, 1536. Her life and death have inspired countless works of art, literature, and film, reflecting the enduring fascination with her story.
Today in the Art
750 jaar Amsterdam in SAND
Sand sculptures – De Beeldentuin, Garderen
Discover the history and culture of Amsterdam through sand sculptures.
The exhibition in Garderen celebrates 750 years of Amsterdam with sand sculptures that bring the rich history and culture of the capital to life in over 150 life-sized artworks. You will see iconic buildings and historical moments depicted in detail by some of the world’s best and most talented artists.
The City Through the Eyes of the Masters – H'ART Museum Amsterdam
The Leiden Collection – A Window into 17th-Century Amsterdam
Assembled by Franco-American philanthropists Dr. Thomas S. Kaplan and Daphne Recanati Kaplan, The Leiden Collection ranks among the most significant private holdings of Dutch Golden Age art. Now, this remarkable collection opens a rare window into Amsterdam's 17th-century world — a time of innovation, prosperity, and artistic brilliance.
At the heart of the exhibition are 75 masterworks, including an unprecedented gathering of seventeen paintings by Rembrandt van Rijn. Shown together for the first time, these works form a vivid portrait of the city’s people — merchants, scholars, everyday citizens — as seen through the brushstrokes of its greatest artists.
Far more than a celebration of technical mastery, the exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the rhythms of life in Amsterdam’s Golden Age, captured by artists who helped shape the soul of a city.
The Roof of Amsterdam – De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam
To the top in 216 steps.
Something truly extraordinary is happening in the heart of Amsterdam — and it’s happening right now. As part of the city’s 750th anniversary celebrations, the iconic Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square has opened its roof to the public for the very first time.
In connection with the restoration of the church’s historic spire, a large platform has been built on the rooftop. And while craftspeople work high above the city, visitors are now invited to climb up and enjoy a spectacular view over Amsterdam — a rare and unforgettable experience.
From the top, you can see the Royal Palace just next door, the canals stretching through the city, and the skyline blending centuries of architecture. It’s a moment of calm and wonder high above the busy streets — and a view even lifelong Amsterdammers rarely get to see.
The Nieuwe Kerk Rooftop Experience is not only a tribute to 750 years of Amsterdam, but also a celebration of the city’s enduring spirit and beauty. You’ll walk among history, see the ongoing restoration up close, and stand where no visitor has stood before.
Anselm Kiefer - Sag mir wo die Blumen sind – Stedelijk Museum
Museum of Modern Art - Amsterdam
A Dual Tribute at the Heart of Amsterdam
This season, two of Amsterdam’s most iconic museums — the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum — come together to honor one of the most compelling voices in contemporary art: Anselm Kiefer.
Titled Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind (“Tell me where the flowers are”), the exhibition places Kiefer’s monumental work in dialogue with his lifelong artistic inspiration — Vincent van Gogh. From his early years, Kiefer has felt a profound kinship with Van Gogh’s intensity, emotional depth, and fearless approach to material and meaning.
The Van Gogh Museum brings together some of Vincent’s most beloved paintings alongside selected works by Kiefer, creating a visual and emotional conversation that spans generations. Both artists are deeply introspective, shaped by personal and historical trauma, and yet both continue to search for light through landscape, memory, and symbolism.
At the Stedelijk Museum, visitors are offered something never seen before: the complete collection of Kiefer works held by the museum, displayed together for the very first time. This includes major pieces such as the audience favorite Innenraum — a haunting reflection on space, memory, and post-war identity. The museum’s early support of Kiefer was instrumental in his development, and this exhibition is a homecoming of sorts, both personal and public.
Adding to the excitement, both institutions present brand-new and never-before-seen works by Kiefer, giving audiences a rare glimpse into the current evolution of a master still in motion.
Whether you're drawn to his raw materiality, his epic storytelling, or the layered poetry of ash, lead, straw, and canvas — this exhibition invites you to step into Kiefer’s world. And in doing so, you might just catch echoes of Van Gogh’s.
Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind is now open at the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Two museums. One vision. A story of influence, memory, and transformation.
In the world
New York Design Week 2025 – USA
Design is for everyone.
New York Design Week, running from May 15–21, features a dynamic range of events, exhibitions, and product launches across Manhattan and Brooklyn, highlighting sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity in design.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's edition of ART FLASH | Yesterday & Today
for more insights into the art world's past and present.
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