Quick Information

ADDRESS

Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Fabrique des Lumières occupies a 3,800-square-meter space with ceilings up to 17 meters high, making it the largest immersive digital art center in the Netherlands.

The center uses over 100 state-of-the-art projectors to create its signature digital art experiences.

Exhibitions have featured over 325 artworks by 50 Dutch artists, including Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.

Why is the Fabrique des Lumières a must-visit attraction?

Immersive art projections at Fabrique des Lumières featuring Van Gogh and Vermeer.
  • Not your traditional museum: Fabrique des Lumières is a must-visit because it completely redefines how you experience art. Instead of simply observing masterpieces from behind a rope, you are invited to step inside them. 
  • Moving, changing art: The art is not static; it moves, breathes, and fills every inch of the vast industrial hall. This immersive approach allows you to engage with the art on a deeply personal and emotional level, discovering new details and perspectives as the projections sweep over you and the surrounding surfaces.
  • Variety of art: The venue's ability to seamlessly blend different artistic styles, from the light-filled interiors of Vermeer to the vibrant strokes of Van Gogh, is truly captivating. It makes world-class art accessible to everyone, regardless of their art history knowledge.
  • Immersive experience: Paired with a powerful, curated soundtrack, the experience becomes a sensory journey that is both calming and exhilarating. It is the perfect blend of historical context and modern technology, creating an unforgettable moment in the heart of Amsterdam's creative district.

What to see at Fabrique des Lumières

At Fabrique des Lumières, the attraction is the immersive exhibition itself. Your visit will be an experience unlike any other, offering several key aspects to enjoy:

Visitors enjoying vibrant digital art display at Fabrique des Lumières.

Main exhibition

The centerpiece of your visit is a featured exhibition (The Sea, Dutch Masters, or Kingdom of the Pharaoh) on a famous artist or theme. This show runs in a continuous loop and uses over 100 projectors to fill the entire space with vibrant, moving images. You are free to walk around, sit on the floor, and enjoy the show from different perspectives.

Visitors enjoying immersive art projections at Fabrique des Lumières.

Short exhibition

A second, shorter show is often presented after the main exhibition. This piece, which might be more contemporary or abstract in nature, provides a contrast to the main feature and offers a different artistic style to experience.

Visitors outside Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam, part of a combo ticket offer.

Westergasfabriek venue

The industrial charm of the historic building itself is a key part of the experience. The vast, high-ceilinged interior, with its original brickwork, provides a spectacular canvas that adds to the grandeur and atmosphere of the show.

Brief history of Fabrique des Lumières

Visitors viewing ancient Egyptian temple projection at Fabrique des Lumières exhibition.

The history of Fabrique des Lumières is tied directly to its location: the Westergasfabriek cultural park. The building was originally constructed in 1885 as Amsterdam's municipal gasworks, playing a crucial role in providing the city with gas. The factory operated for over 80 years before being decommissioned in 1967.

After decades of disuse, the complex was revitalized in the early 2000s, transforming the industrial buildings into a creative hub for artists, events, and restaurants. In 2022, one of its main buildings was reborn as Fabrique des Lumières, becoming the newest addition to this cultural district.

Who built Fabrique des Lumières?

While the Fabrique des Lumières as an art center is a recent creation, the building itself was designed by architect Isaac Gosschalk and built by the Imperial Continental Gas Association. The transformation of the old gasworks into a cultural park was designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, with the Fabrique des Lumières itself being a part of this wider vision for the repurposed industrial site.

Architecture of Fabrique des Lumières

The architecture of Fabrique des Lumières is a prime example of late 19th-century Dutch industrial design, known as the Neo-Renaissance style. The building features distinctive red and yellow brickwork, large arched windows, and decorative flourishes that were characteristic of the era. The vast, high-ceilinged interior, once filled with machinery, now provides the perfect blank canvas for the digital projections.

More about the Westergasfabriek cultural park

Westergasfabriek cultural park gas holder building in Amsterdam.

The Westergasfabriek cultural park is the sprawling green space and collection of historic buildings where Fabrique des Lumières is located. The park is a vibrant hub for art, culture, and recreation. You can find everything from independent cinemas, theaters, and a brewery to unique cafes and a famous Sunday market. The entire area is designed to be a relaxing, car-free oasis where people can stroll, picnic, and enjoy a variety of events, making it a destination in itself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fabrique des Lumières Amsterdam

Is Fabrique des Lumières a museum?

Fabrique des Lumières is an immersive digital art center, not a traditional museum. It does not house a permanent collection of physical artworks but rather projects the works of various artists onto its walls.

Is Fabrique des Lumières a good place for kids?

The exhibitions are designed to be engaging for all ages, with the dynamic visuals and music captivating children. However, due to the intense sound and light effects, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old.

How long has Fabrique des Lumières been open?

Fabrique des Lumières opened its doors to the public in April 2022. It is a relatively new attraction but has quickly become a popular addition to Amsterdam's cultural scene.

Is there a recommended time of day for the best experience?

For a more peaceful experience with fewer people, it is best to visit on a weekday morning, right after opening. If you prefer a more lively atmosphere, weekends and evenings are generally busier.

Can I eat or drink inside the venue?

No, food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibition hall to protect the integrity of the venue and the experience for all visitors. However, there are many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Westergasfabriek park.

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