Allard Pierson is organizing the exhibition "Amsterdam Eet (eat). A history in dishes" especially for Amsterdam 750. From April 11 to September 7, 2025 you will take a tasty journey through 750 years of the city's food culture. See what was on the plates of Amsterdam residents over the centuries, through cookbooks, menus and archaeological finds, and discover their always 'curious stomach'.
The exhibition revolves around dishes in all their forms – from everyday meals to haute cuisine, and from delicacies to medicine. But it is not just about what was eaten, but also by whom, when and where. Herring, which was once on the menu of both rich and poor, is the starting point. On the other side of the timeline we find nasi goreng, a symbol for the diverse flavors in the post-war city.
The exhibition also emphasizes the role of food as a mirror of the city. Prints, paintings and photographs illustrate how food culture influenced the city’s development, from markets and inns in the city center to chic restaurants and migrant cuisines that enriched the city.
And of course, contemporary Amsterdam food culture is also discussed, with attention to trends such as seasonal food and vegetarianism, which still shape the city today.
What makes the exhibition extra special is the collaboration with residents from all parts of Amsterdam. They share personal stories about their cherished dishes and dining scenes, which come together in a shared tablecloth. Visitors can make their own contribution to this growing tablecloth, celebrating the diversity of the city’s food cultures.
The exhibition can be visited from April 11 to September 7, 2025 in the Allard Pierson, at Oude Turfmarkt 127.
