Every winter, Amsterdam turns into a glowing gallery of light and water. Artists from around the world create luminous installations that reshape familiar streets, bridges, and canals. Some artworks remain as permanent city fixtures, while others shine only during the festival’s limited season.
The artlist for the 14th edition is yet to be announced, but scroll down to see some memorable installations from the previous thirteen editions that continue to define the festival’s creative spirit.
By: Janet Echelman
Edition: 1
A massive net sculpture suspended above the Amstel River, its motion reflected subtle shifts in Earth’s rotation caused by the 2010 Chile earthquake. It moved softly with wind and water.
By: Gerald van der Kaap
Edition: 2
Geometric patterns and moving test-card visuals illuminate the Appel Arts Centre in this piece. Subtle messages appear and vanish, inviting viewers to reflect on time, distance, and unexpected urban landscapes.
By: VisualSkin
Edition: 3
Projected onto mist rising from the water, this three-dimensional ghostly ship appeared to float through the night. It retold Amsterdam’s maritime history through illusion, motion, and quiet luminescence.
By: Vendel and de Wolf
Edition: 4
Two illuminated city silhouettes face each other across the canal. Light beams connect them, representing dialogue and connection between Amsterdam’s historic and modern landscapes, creating a poetic reflection on time and urban life.
By: Motion Paintings
Edition: 5
Using specially developed software and LED spotlights, this installation layers images of Amsterdam from 1919 onward. The animated design shows the past, present, and future blending into a flowing narrative.
By: Vendel and de Wolf
Edition: 6
Circular rings of light formed a glowing tunnel over the canal. Inspired by physics, the installation reflects on life’s journey, drawing visitors into a wormhole-like experience where water mirrors a complete luminous circle.
By: Gali May Lucas and Karoline Hinz
Edition: 7
Three figures sit on a bench, heads bent, faces lit by phone screens. Visitors can sit between them, experiencing how digital absorption disconnects people from the world around them.
By: Ben Zamora
Edition: 8
Dozens of suspended light tubes form a frozen explosion, symbolising life-changing events. The installation invites reflection on growth, change, and the beauty that emerges from impactful experiences.
By: Stichting Nieuwe Helden
Edition: 9
650 Amsterdam primary students contributed colored water samples to form a city map. The installation highlights oxygen production by microbes and emphasizes the vital role of water in sustaining life.
By: Sergey Kim
Edition: 10
A cluster of suspended house-shaped frames represented togetherness. Each glowed softly in different tones, symbolising the warmth and individuality within Amsterdam’s connected communities.
By: Edwin Baruch
Edition: 11
This triumphal arch of light towers over the Oosterdok, supported by floating pontoons. Its illuminated structure evokes historic arches while celebrating arrival, blending past inspiration with a sense of modern wonder.
By: Liam Campbell
Edition: 12
This supersized phone sculpture reflects modern life’s obsession with devices. It highlights our dependence, showing how algorithms control attention, data shapes behaviour, and escaping the digital grip feels both impossible and irresistible.
By: Dean Hutton AKA Goldendean
Edition: 13
This large inflatable sculpture celebrates bodily beauty and inclusivity. Its soft, warm presence invites visitors to rest, reflect, and engage in mindful, communal rituals of self-care and shared space.
Exact sites are confirmed a few weeks before the festival begins, after all artworks complete testing and installation checks.
No, construction zones remain restricted for safety reasons, but some artists share progress updates through festival social channels.
Yes, all installations are designed for outdoor weather and remain operational unless strong winds require temporary shutdowns.
Yes, they are often integrated into the walking or canal route, especially those located around central districts.
They combine projection, LED, reflection, and movement to interpret themes like connection, memory, technology, or sustainability through visual storytelling.
They are stored, recycled, or reused in touring exhibitions through the Light Art Collection initiative.
Designated canal distances are maintained to protect both artworks and visitors, usually several meters from main light structures.
Yes, photography is welcome, though tripods and drones may require prior permission depending on area restrictions.
Yes, most viewing routes and official cruises are accessible, offering adapted entry points and clear sightlines.
Amsterdam Light Festival: 75-min Traditional Cruise With Optional Unlimited Drinks
Amsterdam Light Festival: 90-min Extended Traditional Cruise with Optional Wine & Snackbox
Amsterdam Light Festival: 75-Min Small-Group Cruise with Unlimited Drinks
Amsterdam: 1.5 Hour Evening Canal Cruise
Amsterdam Light Festival: 90-min Extended Luxury Cruise with Optional Drinks or Prosecco
Amsterdam Light Festival: 75-min Luxury Cruise with Optional Unlimited Drinks & Snacks
Combo (Save 29%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise + Access to Moco Museum
Combo (Save 12%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise + Access to Rijksmuseum
Combo (Save 11%): Amsterdam Light Festival Small Group Cruise & Walking Tour