Plan your visit to Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam

Visitor information at a glance

Immersive art installation at Fabrique des Lumières showcasing vibrant foreign nature scenes.
  • Opening hours: Open daily, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays | View full hours
  • Location: Pazzanistraat 37, within the Westergasfabriek cultural park | See directions
  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings right after opening to avoid the largest crowds
  • Key amenities: Lockers, a cloakroom, restrooms, and a gift shop

Fabrique des Lumières opening hours

Fabrique des Lumières is open daily, but the hours vary depending on the day. The last admission is one hour before closing time

Monday–Thursday: 9:30am to 5pm
Friday–Saturday: 9:30am to 9pm
Sunday: 9:30am to 6pm

The venue is closed on January 1 and December 25. Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule and for any specific holiday hours.

View Fabrique des Lumières timings

Best time to visit Fabrique des Lumières

The best time to visit Fabrique des Lumières depends on your preference for crowds. The venue is typically busiest on weekends and during the middle of the day. To enjoy the immersive projections and music with fewer people around, consider visiting on a weekday morning, right when the venue opens. This allows you to move freely and find a perfect spot on the floor to fully experience the art.

If you can't make it during the morning, another great option is to visit during the evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. The atmosphere changes as the day winds down, and it provides a unique way to end your day in Amsterdam. Planning your visit to Fabrique des Lumières during off-peak seasons (outside of major holidays and school breaks) can also lead to a more peaceful experience.

Where is Fabrique des Lumières located?

Address: Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands | Find on Maps

Fabrique des Lumières is a popular attraction located in the city of Amsterdam. You'll find it housed within the historic Westergasfabriek, a former gasworks factory that has been transformed into a cultural park.

Closest landmark: Westerpark, 200 m away

See directions & transport options

How to get to Fabrique des Lumières?

Fabrique des Lumières is easy to reach using Amsterdam's excellent transportation system. Whether you prefer public transit or cycling like a local, you have several great options.

Amsterdam train crossing a bridge over a canal with historic buildings in the background.

By public transport

The most direct route is to take bus line 21 from Amsterdam Centraal Station. It will drop you off at the Van Hallstraat/Westergasfabriek stop, just a short walk from the venue.

Bicycles parked on a bridge over a canal near Amsterdam Centraal Station.

By bicycle

This is an excellent way to see the city. You can rent a bike near Amsterdam Centraal and enjoy a scenic 10-15 min ride through the streets and park near the venue.

Driving route to Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam with scenic city views.

By car

If you're driving, the best option is to park at the nearby Q-Park Westergasfabriek. The venue is located within a car-free zone, so you will need to park in a designated garage and walk a short distance.

Itineraries at Fabrique des Lumières

A visit to Fabrique des Lumières is often combined with other activities in the vibrant Westergasfabriek area. Here are a few itinerary ideas to help you plan your day.

Immersive art projections at Fabrique des Lumières featuring Van Gogh and Vermeer.

Focused visit (1–1.5 hours)

Head inside and find a comfortable spot on the floor or a bench. The projections are everywhere, so any spot offers a great view, but moving around is part of the fun. Watch the full cycle of the main show, and stay for the shorter, second exhibition. Walk around the hall viewing the projections from different angles and getting up close to the walls.

Fabrique des Lumières exhibit with cosmic projections on walls and floor.

Art & park (2–3 hours)

Dedicate about an hour and a half to exploring the immersive art at Fabrique des Lumières, allowing yourself to stay for a full exhibition loop. Afterward, step outside into Westerpark for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes or find a sunny spot to relax and discuss the art you've just seen.

Guests viewing animated underwater art at Fabrique des Lumières.

Culture & cuisine (3–4 hours)

Plan your visit to Fabrique des Lumières in the late afternoon. After immersing yourself in the digital masterpieces, you can head to one of the many excellent restaurants or bars in the Westergasfabriek park. This is a perfect way to combine a cultural experience with a fantastic meal.

Visitors viewing cosmic light projections at Fabrique des Lumières exhibit.

Amsterdam local (Half-day)

Start your day by renting a bike and cycling from Amsterdam Centraal to Westergasfabriek. Spend a couple of hours at Fabrique des Lumières, then explore the various shops and art spaces within the cultural park. Finish your day with a picnic in Westerpark, enjoying some local treats.

Know before you go to Fabrique des Lumieres

Fabrique des Lumières gift shop
  • Cloakroom and lockers: A guarded cloakroom is available for coats and bags. For security and safety reasons, large items, including suitcases and umbrellas, are not permitted inside and should be stored in the provided lockers.
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are available for visitors on-site, including a fully accessible disabled toilet.
  • Gift shop: A small gift shop is available, offering a selection of exhibition-related souvenirs.
Fabrique des Lumières wheelchair accessibility and visitor facilities.
  • Wheelchair accessibility: The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with all spaces located on the ground floor. A disabled toilet is also available. Two wheelchairs are available for use at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Mobility assistance: The exhibitions are designed to be enjoyed from anywhere in the space. There are seats and foldable chairs available for those who need to rest.
  • Visual/sensory experience: Be aware that the exhibitions feature strong light projections and a powerful sound system, which may not be suitable for visitors with epilepsy or those who suffer from vertigo.
Visitors exploring digital art projections at Fabrique des Lumières: The Kingdom of the Pharaohs exhibition.

Fabrique des Lumières is an engaging experience for families, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • For safety reasons, strollers and prams are not allowed inside. It is recommended to use a baby carrier instead.
  • The exhibitions are not recommended for children under 3 years old due to the intense audio and visual effects.
  • The continuous loop of the exhibitions allows for flexibility if you need to take breaks with children.
Fabrique des Lumières gift shop

The venue has a small gift shop where you can find a curated selection of items inspired by the current exhibitions. You can purchase unique posters, books, and other souvenirs to remember your visit.

Dine near Fabrique des Lumières

Nearby

Fabrique des Lumières does not have an on-site restaurant, but you are spoiled for choice in the immediate vicinity within the Westergasfabriek park. Some popular options include:

  • Mossel & Gin: A great spot for seafood lovers, offering a variety of mussel dishes and gin-based cocktails. 
  • Bakkerswinkel Westerpark: A cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfasts, lunches, and high teas.
  • Westergasterras: A large cafe and restaurant with a spacious terrace, perfect for a drink or a meal in the sun. 
Hotel front desk with staff assisting guests during check-in process.

Nearby

Fabrique des Lumières rules
  • Photography: Flash photography is strictly prohibited.
  • Food: No food or drinks are allowed inside the exhibition hall.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
  • Children: For safety reasons, unsupervised children under 12 are not permitted.
tips to visit Fabrique des Lumières
  • Book in advance: To guarantee your entry, especially on weekends or holidays, it's best to book your tickets online for a specific time slot.
  • Dress for comfort: The venue is large, and you will likely be sitting or standing on the floor. Comfortable clothing and footwear are highly recommended.
  • Bring a light sweater: The historic building can feel a bit cool inside, even in summer.
  • Arrive on time: While you can stay for the full exhibition loop, arriving on time for your slot ensures you don’t miss the beginning of the show.
  • Check the exhibition schedule: The exhibitions change throughout the year, so check the official website to see which show is currently running.
  • Enjoy the park: Plan to spend some time exploring Westerpark before or after your visit.
Westerpark canal view with historic buildings in Amsterdam.
  • Westerpark (400 m): Westerpark is a sprawling urban park in Amsterdam, known for its mix of lush green spaces and historic industrial buildings. It serves as a vibrant cultural hub, home to art galleries, bars, and a variety of festivals and markets. 
  • Banksy Museum Amsterdam (700 m): A permanent exhibition of the street artist's works, featuring the largest collection of full-size murals in the world. It offers an immersive journey through Banksy's powerful social and political commentary.
  • Haarlemmerpoort (900 m): Standing at the end of the Haarlemmerdijk, the Haarlemmerpoort is a magnificent 19th-century city gate. This historic landmark, officially named the Willemspoort, is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture.
  • Museum Het Schip (1 km): A stunning example of Amsterdam School architecture, with its unique brickwork and distinctive design. It tells the story of social housing and the architectural movement that transformed urban living in the early 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Fabrique des Lumières

How long does a visit to Fabrique des Lumières take?

A typical visit lasts for about one hour, which is the length of one full exhibition loop. However, your ticket only specifies an entry time, and you are welcome to stay as long as you like until the venue closes.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes, you can buy tickets at the entrance, but they are subject to availability. To avoid disappointment, especially on busy days, it is highly recommended to book your timed-entry tickets online in advance.

Is there an age restriction for visiting Fabrique des Lumières?

Admission is not recommended for children under 3 years old due to the intense visuals and sound. Children under 5 are admitted for free but still require a ticket.

Can I store my luggage during my visit?

The venue has a cloakroom and lockers for bags, but suitcases and large luggage are not permitted. It is best to leave large items at your accommodation or at a luggage storage service in the city.

Are the exhibitions suitable for people with epilepsy?

Due to the strong and continuous light effects used in the exhibitions, they may present risks for people with epilepsy or those who suffer from vertigo. Visitor discretion is advised.

Is there a guided tour available?

The Fabrique des Lumières is designed as a self-guided, immersive experience. There are no traditional guided tours, allowing you to move freely and enjoy the art at your own pace and from different perspectives.

Information

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