Exhibition design / “Tussen Tradition en Transformatie: het verleden, heden en toekomst van het buurthuis”, Museum Amsterdam Noord
From October 4th, 2025 to April 5th, 2026, Museum Amsterdam Noord will host the conclusive exhibition of “Tussen Traditie en Transformatie: het verleden, heden en de toekomst van het buurthuis”, wrapping up a year-long travelling exhibition and design research project into the Buurthuis in Amsterdam Noord.
The exhibition presents a comprehensive summary of the research and discoveries, including archival photos, historical information about the first community center in London, and insights into the newest centers in Amsterdam Noord today. It explores key facets of the buurthuis, highlighting influential figures, activities, and architectural features that shape these vibrant community spaces.
Central to the exhibition are the results of participatory workshops held throughout the year. Visitors can explore a detailed map with four cycle routes connecting all the community centers in Noord, indicating where the workshops took place. The exhibition displays the locally collected clay that served as a connective material and the 100 Tiles of Noord, created collaboratively with ceramicist Kirstie van Noort, the residents, and users of the community hubs.
The tiles are not only a tangible record of collective stories and local craftsmanship but also form the basis for four site-specific interventions at the exhibition locations. These fictional design additions enhance the community centre’s existing character and the identity while communicating the ambitions and collective spirit of each community center to its users.
Through this exhibition, Tussen Traditie en Transformatie invites visitors to reflect on the past, present, and future of community centers, highlighting their role as dynamic cultural spaces of connection, creativity, and social cohesion in Amsterdam Noord.