Starting today at the Vrije Academie in Den Haag a 4-lesson course on the meaning of art in the XXI century.
Topic of today: the importance of the concept of beauty, not just in art but in the wider cultural context of society. Upcoming topics of the following weeks: the philosophy of art and the music as artistic expression.
It starts at 14.00 and it's in Dutch: a good chance to practice your Nederlands.
http://vrijeacademie.org/nl/2013-02-15/studium-generale-voorjaar-2013
On a more general scale, celestial I'd dare say, today it's the last chance to get a good view of Mercury crossing our winter sky. Apparently, it's one of the main stargazing events of this year and we are lucky enough to have a clear sky, for a change.
http://www.beginnertelescopes.net/beginner-telescopes-blog/gallery/astrophotography/best-view-of-mercury-2013/
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Friday, 22 February 2013
Friday - Household chores on display in Den Haag
Today's thing to do has been recommended by my friend R, who is also a reader of this blog....so thank you R!
It is definitely a good choice if, like me, you are planning to do the dreaded household chores over the weekend and need some encouragement.
Currently on show at the The Hague Historical museum, hosted in a beautiful building on the Hofvijver, it's an exhibition about the Household Management Academy, nicknamed the "Spinach Academy", which has been based in this city for more that a hundred years.
Tips on how to prolong your flowers' life, clean your oven and fold the linens can be picked up from the displays, among samples of kitchen equipment and black and white photos of the good old days when home economics was a subject taught in school.
It was supposed to end this weekend but instead it's running till the 3 March.
http://www.haagshistorischmuseum.nl/page/tijdelijk
It is definitely a good choice if, like me, you are planning to do the dreaded household chores over the weekend and need some encouragement.
Currently on show at the The Hague Historical museum, hosted in a beautiful building on the Hofvijver, it's an exhibition about the Household Management Academy, nicknamed the "Spinach Academy", which has been based in this city for more that a hundred years.
Tips on how to prolong your flowers' life, clean your oven and fold the linens can be picked up from the displays, among samples of kitchen equipment and black and white photos of the good old days when home economics was a subject taught in school.
It was supposed to end this weekend but instead it's running till the 3 March.
http://www.haagshistorischmuseum.nl/page/tijdelijk
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Thursday - Looking for Spinoza on the Amstel
If you are in Amsterdam, look out for the statue of the famous philosopher Baruch Spinoza.
It's not far from the Metro stop of Waterlooplein, opposite the cafe' Amstelhoek. This is the area where Amsterdam's ghetto used to be.
Unveiled in 2007, it's a curious but nice-to-look-at object, decorated with sparrows, parakeets and roses, which according to the artist, are supposed to represent the multiculturalism of the city of Amsterdam.
Not sure if that bit is really registered by the passer bys and the tourists taking pictures, but what the heck, it's a cool statue!
http://vorige.nrc.nl/international/Features/article2053664.ece/Spinoza_returns_home_to_Amsterdam
It's not far from the Metro stop of Waterlooplein, opposite the cafe' Amstelhoek. This is the area where Amsterdam's ghetto used to be.
Unveiled in 2007, it's a curious but nice-to-look-at object, decorated with sparrows, parakeets and roses, which according to the artist, are supposed to represent the multiculturalism of the city of Amsterdam.
Not sure if that bit is really registered by the passer bys and the tourists taking pictures, but what the heck, it's a cool statue!
http://vorige.nrc.nl/international/Features/article2053664.ece/Spinoza_returns_home_to_Amsterdam
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Wednesday - Free classical concert in Den Haag
If you are in the centre of The Hague today and want to do something different around lunchtime, why don't pop in the Kloosterker and enjoy a viola and piano concert?
It starts at 12.45 and it's free.
The programme of the concert, which includes Albinoni, is available here.
http://www.kloosterkerk.nl/
It starts at 12.45 and it's free.
The programme of the concert, which includes Albinoni, is available here.
http://www.kloosterkerk.nl/
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Tuesday - Between kitsch and art in Delft
One of the most typical souvenirs people normally bring back from Holland are objects of all shapes and sizes decorated with the popular Delft blue motif.
Some of these are truly beautiful things, hand made in Holland and sold for an hefty price. Most of them however are poor imitations made most likely in the Far East, which is somewhat ironic, since the Delft Blue started their life as a cheaper imitation of the precious Chinese porcelains in the 17th century.
Wonderful objects, original masterpieces and cheap but amusing imitations are currently on display at the Keramiek Museum Het Prinsenhof in Delft, in an exhibition fittingly called "Delfts Blauw: kunst of kitsch".
http://www.ikhouvanblauw.nl/
Some of these are truly beautiful things, hand made in Holland and sold for an hefty price. Most of them however are poor imitations made most likely in the Far East, which is somewhat ironic, since the Delft Blue started their life as a cheaper imitation of the precious Chinese porcelains in the 17th century.
Wonderful objects, original masterpieces and cheap but amusing imitations are currently on display at the Keramiek Museum Het Prinsenhof in Delft, in an exhibition fittingly called "Delfts Blauw: kunst of kitsch".
http://www.ikhouvanblauw.nl/
Monday, 18 February 2013
Monday - Father forgive me for I am going to sin (in Utrecht)
Since it's Monday and shops open late and most museums are closed, there's no alternative but killing time by going for a drink.
If you opt for beer, go a Belgian one complemented by delicious chunky fries "Belgian style".
To dissipate any feeling of guilt, the best is to enjoy your beer/chips combo at the Olivier in Utrecht, a former church converted into a pub.
A sure hit with any visiting friends from abroad, it offers the widest beer selection I have seen in Holland and an array of hearty dishes that will help you with keeping the winter blues at bay.
http://www.cafe-olivier.be/
If you opt for beer, go a Belgian one complemented by delicious chunky fries "Belgian style".
To dissipate any feeling of guilt, the best is to enjoy your beer/chips combo at the Olivier in Utrecht, a former church converted into a pub.
A sure hit with any visiting friends from abroad, it offers the widest beer selection I have seen in Holland and an array of hearty dishes that will help you with keeping the winter blues at bay.
http://www.cafe-olivier.be/
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Sunday - A glimpse on contemporary Japan in Den Haag
The Noordeinde, the somewhat posh but pretty street of Den Haag where the Queen's office is located, is packed with art galleries, displaying from the downright pretentious crap to the actually very beautiful, challenging or visually stimulating art.
French photographer Denis Rouvre's work seems to belong to this last category.
His portraits of cosplay enthusiasts (people dressing in manga costumes), sumo fighters and pictures from the aftermath of the tsunami are hanging at the Project 2.0 gallery and although supposed to end today, due to its great success, the exhibition is prolonged till the 3 March.
http://www.project20.nl/
French photographer Denis Rouvre's work seems to belong to this last category.
His portraits of cosplay enthusiasts (people dressing in manga costumes), sumo fighters and pictures from the aftermath of the tsunami are hanging at the Project 2.0 gallery and although supposed to end today, due to its great success, the exhibition is prolonged till the 3 March.
http://www.project20.nl/
Saturday, 16 February 2013
Saturday - From Vincent with Love
Today's tip reflects what I am actually going to do this afternoon.
The Hermitage Amsterdam normally displays collections belonging to the original Hermitage in St. Petersburg and at the moment is hosting an exhibition on Peter the Great, however till the end of April it's also home to a special event.
Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum is closed right now but part of its collection is temporarily on display, in a new set up which includes some of the painter's letters, objects and drawings on paper, at the Hermitage on the Amstel.
The Amstelhof, which now hosts the Hermitage Amsterdam, was an elderly people hospice for more than 300 years and it has been beautifully restored. It is till possible to get a feeling of the building's old outlook and function by visiting the refurbished kitchen in the basement.
The exhibition runs till the 24 April 2013.
http://www.hermitage.nl/en/
The Hermitage Amsterdam normally displays collections belonging to the original Hermitage in St. Petersburg and at the moment is hosting an exhibition on Peter the Great, however till the end of April it's also home to a special event.
Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum is closed right now but part of its collection is temporarily on display, in a new set up which includes some of the painter's letters, objects and drawings on paper, at the Hermitage on the Amstel.
The Amstelhof, which now hosts the Hermitage Amsterdam, was an elderly people hospice for more than 300 years and it has been beautifully restored. It is till possible to get a feeling of the building's old outlook and function by visiting the refurbished kitchen in the basement.
The exhibition runs till the 24 April 2013.
http://www.hermitage.nl/en/
Friday, 15 February 2013
Friday - Plan your night out in Rotterdam (...in March)
This post is about something you should do today, or in the coming days, to be able to join something truly awesome on the 9 March.
The tickets sale for the Rotterdam Museum Night has started and judging from previous years the sooner you get them the better, as the event is becoming more and more popular. And rightly so, since it's lots of fun!
On the night of the 9 March, from 20.00 till the early hours in the morning, all Rotterdam's museums, art galleries and cultural institutions will be open, with special exhibitions, performances and DJ sets. We saw a flash mob in the Maritime museum 2 years ago and became "part" of an art project last year.
Streets and bars are full so if you are planning to have dinner, book well in advance, maybe in one of the restaurants on the Witte de Wit, the real pulsating heart of the event.
http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php
The tickets sale for the Rotterdam Museum Night has started and judging from previous years the sooner you get them the better, as the event is becoming more and more popular. And rightly so, since it's lots of fun!
On the night of the 9 March, from 20.00 till the early hours in the morning, all Rotterdam's museums, art galleries and cultural institutions will be open, with special exhibitions, performances and DJ sets. We saw a flash mob in the Maritime museum 2 years ago and became "part" of an art project last year.
Streets and bars are full so if you are planning to have dinner, book well in advance, maybe in one of the restaurants on the Witte de Wit, the real pulsating heart of the event.
http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Thursday - Come dine with me in Delfgauw
OK, there is no escaping Valentine Day it seems, so maybe it's time to mention my favourite dining out venue around here.
In Delfgauw, in a place that looks like the bucolic middle of nowhere, but in fact it's not far from the IKEA, there's the cute "Cafe' du Midi", a small wooden building, a former farm possibly, which now serves quite delicious (but inexpensive) meals, prepared with seasonal organic vegetables, meat from the nearby polders and scrumptious desserts.
It's lovely in summer as well, with a well shaded outdoor and chicken and goats roaming freely for the delight of the kids.
http://www.dumididelfgauw.nl/
In Delfgauw, in a place that looks like the bucolic middle of nowhere, but in fact it's not far from the IKEA, there's the cute "Cafe' du Midi", a small wooden building, a former farm possibly, which now serves quite delicious (but inexpensive) meals, prepared with seasonal organic vegetables, meat from the nearby polders and scrumptious desserts.
It's lovely in summer as well, with a well shaded outdoor and chicken and goats roaming freely for the delight of the kids.
http://www.dumididelfgauw.nl/
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Wednesday - Happy (belated) Chinese New Year in Rotterdam
Last chance today to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with events in Rotterdam kicking in at 12.00 in the Wijpark Oost.
Live music, the dragon dance, the children's lantern parade and much more will be followed by a fireworks show around 18.30.
Happy Snake Year to you all!
http://chinafestivals.nl/rotterdam-nieuwjaar-festival-programma
Live music, the dragon dance, the children's lantern parade and much more will be followed by a fireworks show around 18.30.
Happy Snake Year to you all!
http://chinafestivals.nl/rotterdam-nieuwjaar-festival-programma
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Tuesday - Happy pannenkoek day!
Today it's Pancake Day and since we are in Holland we should celebrate with the local speciality: pannenkoeken!
The Dutch pannenkoek differs from French crepes or British pancakes in the sense that in the savoury versions the extras such as bacon, leek, mushrooms, etc. are "embedded" into the egg batter, making it more similar to a frittata than to an American pancake for instance.
Nevertheless, there are several delicious combination and today we have a good excuse to try some!
My favourite pannenkoekenboerderij (literally, "pancakes farm") is the Theehuis Rhijnauwen nearby Utrecht, in the pretty woodscape of Amelisweerd.
http://www.iens.nl/restaurant/3770/bunnik-theehuis-rhijnauwen/website
The Dutch pannenkoek differs from French crepes or British pancakes in the sense that in the savoury versions the extras such as bacon, leek, mushrooms, etc. are "embedded" into the egg batter, making it more similar to a frittata than to an American pancake for instance.
Nevertheless, there are several delicious combination and today we have a good excuse to try some!
My favourite pannenkoekenboerderij (literally, "pancakes farm") is the Theehuis Rhijnauwen nearby Utrecht, in the pretty woodscape of Amelisweerd.
http://www.iens.nl/restaurant/3770/bunnik-theehuis-rhijnauwen/website
Monday, 11 February 2013
Monday - Movement Classes in Den Haag
Every Monday at the theatre Korzo, starting at 20.00, professional dancers, free stylers, amateurs and whoever feels like dancing can join one of the resident choreographers for an evening of dance and study of the creative process.
All ages and abilities are welcome.
One class is 7,50, but if you are really keen, a "strippenkaart" for 10 classes is available for 50 euro.
http://www.korzo.nl/nl/producties/monday-movement-classes
All ages and abilities are welcome.
One class is 7,50, but if you are really keen, a "strippenkaart" for 10 classes is available for 50 euro.
http://www.korzo.nl/nl/producties/monday-movement-classes
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Sunday - It's Carnival time in Limburg!
Since Easter comes so early this yea, it means that it's already Carnival time in several party of Europe and the World.
Although it goes largely unnoticed in Den Haag, to my eternal dismay since I love Carnival and wearing fancy costumes, it's time for celebration in the Southern part of the country.
Grown ups and children parades, dances in the street and papier mache floats will be a common sight today and the agenda of the activities in programme seems to go on forever...
http://www.uitinlimburg.nl/carnaval-limburg.htm
Although it goes largely unnoticed in Den Haag, to my eternal dismay since I love Carnival and wearing fancy costumes, it's time for celebration in the Southern part of the country.
Grown ups and children parades, dances in the street and papier mache floats will be a common sight today and the agenda of the activities in programme seems to go on forever...
http://www.uitinlimburg.nl/carnaval-limburg.htm
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Saturday - The fabric market in Utrecht
Saturday is market day in a lot of places and in Utrecht on the Breedstraat and Begijnhof from 8.00 to 13.00 there's a large and very colourful fabric market, which apparently, with its 400 years, is the oldest of the country.
Although the family's sewing and knitting enthusiast is my mum and I normally get uncomfortable the moment I step into a fabric shop, I must admit that it's hard to avoid letting yourself go with dreams of crafty projects and hand made bags and skirts when you walk through this market.
Friday, 8 February 2013
Friday - Take a gilded tour of Amersfoort
Amersfoort is a very picturesque little town not far from Utrecht.
Every day at 14.00 a walking tour departs for the Gilde Amersfoort's office and will take you to the most photogenic and historically relevant spots of the city, among them the Koppelpoort gate, which could be a building out of a fairy tale.
Winter tours end in a tea shop, always a good thing to look forward when you have been walking one and a half hour in the cold.
http://www.gildeamersfoort.nl/index.php
Every day at 14.00 a walking tour departs for the Gilde Amersfoort's office and will take you to the most photogenic and historically relevant spots of the city, among them the Koppelpoort gate, which could be a building out of a fairy tale.
Winter tours end in a tea shop, always a good thing to look forward when you have been walking one and a half hour in the cold.
http://www.gildeamersfoort.nl/index.php
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Thursday - Beer making and tasting in Limburg
A couple of years ago we visited this brewery in the Limburg and I can warmly recommend it, with or without kids.
It's not a fake tour through a fake brewery, like the Heininken Experience in Amsterdam, but a guided tour through a real, functioning plant, with the lovely smell of yeast and hop filling the air and dark caves where older and even cuvee beers are kept.
At the end of the tour every participants is given a coupon for a beer which can be redeemed in the nearby pub. The funny fact about this is that there's a pipe that carries the freshly made beer from the plant straight into the bar's taps.
http://www.hertogjan.nl/site/12-Ervaar-de-brouwerij.php
It's not a fake tour through a fake brewery, like the Heininken Experience in Amsterdam, but a guided tour through a real, functioning plant, with the lovely smell of yeast and hop filling the air and dark caves where older and even cuvee beers are kept.
At the end of the tour every participants is given a coupon for a beer which can be redeemed in the nearby pub. The funny fact about this is that there's a pipe that carries the freshly made beer from the plant straight into the bar's taps.
http://www.hertogjan.nl/site/12-Ervaar-de-brouwerij.php
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Wednesday - A trip back in time with the Ambassadors' parade in Den Haag
Two posts in a row about Den Haag go against the rules, however I have discovered that several times a year (but always on Wednesdays) newly posted Ambassadors to the Netherlands deliver their credentials letters to the Queen at her office/palace on the Noordeinde.
The notables are taken to the palace on a royal carriage accompanied by coachmen and footmen, like in an episode of Downton Abbey. The Master of Ceremony will welcome them while a brass band is playing.
Not easy to plan attendance in advance as, due to security reasons, the event is announced only shortly before its scheduled date.
http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/
The notables are taken to the palace on a royal carriage accompanied by coachmen and footmen, like in an episode of Downton Abbey. The Master of Ceremony will welcome them while a brass band is playing.
Not easy to plan attendance in advance as, due to security reasons, the event is announced only shortly before its scheduled date.
http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl/
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Tuesday - Follow the Poppy trail
On display at the Humanity House in Den Haag until the 24 February, "Poppy" is an exhibition that follows the trail of heroin's trafficking, from Afghanistan to the UK.
The journey of the 2 authors, told through a 45-minute audio-visual experience, is also a trip through the history of that troubled area, from the mujahedeens' fight against the Soviets, via the Taliban to the aftermath of 9/11.
The exhibition is open during the weekend and (by appointment only) during the week.
http://www.humanityhouse.org/en/museum-agenda/exhibition-poppy
The journey of the 2 authors, told through a 45-minute audio-visual experience, is also a trip through the history of that troubled area, from the mujahedeens' fight against the Soviets, via the Taliban to the aftermath of 9/11.
The exhibition is open during the weekend and (by appointment only) during the week.
http://www.humanityhouse.org/en/museum-agenda/exhibition-poppy
Monday, 4 February 2013
Monday - A trip to the Library in Delft
Sticking to the topic of Dutch star architects already touched yesterday, I would like to mention today another building worth seeing: the Techinsche Universiteit (TU)'s library in Delft.
Built at the end of the Nineties by Mecanoo, the world renown architects' practice based in Delft itself, it has a curios slope-like structure and a roof covered with grass.
It makes for the perfect picnic spot in Summer (when there is one), while in Winter, given the lack of hills in the country, it's used by snowboard-fanatic students to practice their tricks.
Inside, floor to ceiling book shelves line the walls and several study rooms and facilities are available. It's open every day of the year from 8.00 to 24.00.
http://www.library.tudelft.nl/
Built at the end of the Nineties by Mecanoo, the world renown architects' practice based in Delft itself, it has a curios slope-like structure and a roof covered with grass.
It makes for the perfect picnic spot in Summer (when there is one), while in Winter, given the lack of hills in the country, it's used by snowboard-fanatic students to practice their tricks.
Inside, floor to ceiling book shelves line the walls and several study rooms and facilities are available. It's open every day of the year from 8.00 to 24.00.
http://www.library.tudelft.nl/
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