Elandsgracht Amsterdam

Owner Rob left one gallery to spread his wings and start his own in 2007. His gallery, named simply and effectively after himself, specialises in modern jewellery. It is partly the result of the experience Rob had built up in his previous gallery and partly the realisation of turning what was already a hobby into a profession. He convinced some of the artists that he already represented to come with him, but had to re-establish himself  by doing the rounds to sign new names to his business. Thanks to his extensive network and his familiarity with the Rietveld Academy, and other such places, this did not take too long. To his surprise and joy, his name and reputation still attracts both the more established artists and the new generation of artists.

Bel Ami frame makers and all-round art specialistsis unmistakeable by its sheer appearance. You are, by judging the store by it’s storefront, invited to step in and you won’t be disappointed. With its decorative, elegant wooden front panelling Bel Ami has become a very familiar face on the gracht. If anything, that description is almost more a cliche than a surprise, seeing as how the store celebrated its 25^th anniversary in 2012. Loved by its regulars, highly spoken of by connaisseurs, its reputation belies the store’s humble interior. Run with a profound love for, and interest in, art, especially art that can be hung on walls. Owner Marieke and her dedicated staff not only frame your prized images, they also restore works of art to their original glory. That takes patience, incredible eye for detail and a custom approach for each painting they work on. It is this specialised, tailored approach that has cemented its reputation.

Antique center Amsterdam, formerly known as ‘the Looier’ in an old garage. The space is enormous though it is packed to the rafters with antiques,  knickknacks, collectible items and rarities. Display cabinets guide you through a maze stalls and more displays, each owned by another dealer, collector or enthusiast. The center underwent a transformation “to dust it off and bring it into the 21^st century”, as the owner put it. Arnout and his wife Emrys ter Haak took over the business and decided to  overhaul the place, but keep it accessible to tourists, students and serious art lovers and collectors alike. Whether you come in looking to spend 5000 Euro or 5, there’s something here for everyone. The vast collection of items ranges from the bizarre to the funny and from the delicate to the breathtakingly beautiful. It is absolutely fascinating walking through this place and will make you wonder why you didn’t comer here sooner – or more often.

If there is one place in Amsterdam that disproves the old Dutch adage that you have to travel a ways for the best things in life, it is the houseboat-museum, situated alongside the Prinsengracht, at the very beginning of the Elandsgracht. The Hendrika Maria, as the boat is called, is situated in this beautiful location since 1997.  Owner Vincent van Loon got the idea for the museum when he used to live in a houseboat himself and dealt with dozens of curious glances at his home on the water every day. His idea was golden, and visitors numbers have exceeded all Vincent’s expectations. The boat that houses the museum dates back to 1914. It even spent some time at the bottom of the canal during World War Two, to keep the occupying forces from getting their hands on it. The museum offers a unique perspective on living on the water as well as, through the small windows, on the Elandsgracht and the Prinsengracht.