As a new-ish Amsterdam resident, I’ve been working to cross off items on that ever-growing bucket list of things to do in Amsterdam. I recently enjoyed exploring Our House, the world’s first museum dedicated to the electronic music genre. Located in the center of Amsterdam, this modern museum boasts an immersive dance floor music experience that takes visitors on a trip through electronic dance music’s past, present, and future.
Walking through the museum, I was amazed by the high-tech audio-visual exhibitions and interactive installations showcasing the evolution of electronic dance music (EDM). The 75-minute digital storytelling journey provided me with an array of stimulating exhibits, shows, video images, and performances that truly capture the essence of this popular and influential music genre.
During my visit to Our House Amsterdam, I learned about the rich history of EDM. I saw what the future holds for this continually evolving musical style. The guided tour, DJ-curated exhibits, and exclusive events hosted at the museum made my visit a truly enjoyable experience, solidifying Amsterdam’s well-deserved reputation as a hub for electronic music culture.
Editor’s Note: If you have epilepsy or other conditions that might be affected by loud music and flashing lights, be cautious while visiting Our House, as this immersive museum contains laser shows and video projections. Pregnant women are also advised to take precautions, positioning themselves towards the back of exhibits and away from speakers.
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Our House Amsterdam Overview
History
The Our House Amsterdam museum in the Netherlands is the world’s first museum dedicated to electronic music culture. Amsterdam is an ideal location, given the city’s rich history and connection with electronic music.
Being someone with an affinity for this music genre, I find exploring the roots of EDM through their multi-sensory audio-visual experiences fascinating.
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Mission
Our House Amsterdam aims to share the story of electronic dance music’s past, present, and future through interactive installations, immersive shows, and DJ-curated exhibits.
I was able to experience their 75-minute digital storytelling journey, where I witnessed the whole saga of the genre’s evolution. Some key features and highlights that caught my attention included:
- The exclusive 20 years of A State of Trance exhibition in collaboration with Armin van Buuren.
- The end show, which felt like a 5D experience through the history of electronic house music.
- The detailed exploration of electronic music sub-genres and the impact of technology on its progression.
Because of my love for electronic music, my experience at this cultural institution successfully transported me through time and space, giving me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the genre and its history. It’s a unique and engaging experience for curious visitors and EDM fans alike, and even if you aren’t into EDM, it’s a must-see for anyone musically inclined.
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The Exhibition
Art Pieces
While visiting Our House Amsterdam, I explored the various art pieces that significantly contributed to the experience. I was particularly drawn to the works of Meeus van Dis, Voutloos, and Dadara.
Their paintings showcased the electric energy in electronic dance music culture by using vivid colors, intriguing designs, and fascinating concepts. In addition, the giant sequencer on display offers an interactive, visually stunning exploration of EDM history.
Interactive Installations
One thing I took note of during my visit was that the thoughtfully curated art pieces and interactive installations effectively showcased the revolutionary moments, and influential artists that have shaped EDM.
Making my way through the exhibition, I enjoyed the numerous interactive installations that delved into the history and future of electronic dance music. The State of Trance exhibit was my favorite, since I’m a huge trance enthusiast. It’s a captivating interactive experience featuring vintage footage, impressive floor-to-ceiling audiovisual shows, and memorabilia.
Another remarkable aspect of the interactive installations was the “Defining Moments” exhibit, which spanned over four decades of dance music history from 1977 to 2020. As I navigated through the different eras displayed in this exhibit, I was fascinated by how it traced the evolutionary trajectory of electronic music’s origins – from Kraftwerk’s debut to the disco demolition and the birth of house music in Chicago, all the way through to Detroit techno.
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Dance Music and Heritage
Pioneers of Electronic Dance Music
Our House offers a glimpse into dance music culture’s past, present, and future. As a dance music fan, I’ve explored the rich history of electronic dance music.
“Dance” is an umbrella term for various styles and subgenres of electronic music, including trance, techno, house, happy hardcore, and more. Over the years, I’ve discovered that pioneers like Carl Cox and Armin van Buuren have played an essential role in shaping the modern EDM landscape, and Our House addresses the contributions these giants of dance have made.
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House Music
When it comes to house music, I can’t help but be fascinated by its roots. Originating in Chicago during the early 1980s, pioneers like Frankie Knuckles, Kevin Saunderson, and Kerri Chandler laid the groundwork for the house sound. Today, this subgenre is revered by DJs, as well as music lovers.
I was thrilled to learn that Our House recognizes house music’s significance, featuring exhibits dedicated to the legacies of these trailblazers (as one might hope from a music museum with the word “house” in the name). The museum’s Frankie Knuckles Foundation, in particular, is vital in commemorating the “Godfather of House Music” and his incredible contributions to the genre.
Club and Festival Partnerships
On my visit to Our House Amsterdam, the electronic dance music museum, I discovered they have several club and festival partnerships. These partnerships play a significant role in showcasing the growth and evolution of electronic dance music culture.
Some clubs that Our House has partnered with include the famous FAC 51 The Hacienda. The Hacienda originated in Manchester and was pivotal in developing and spreading house music across Europe during the 1980s and 1990s. By collaborating with this iconic club, Our House helps to preserve its legacy and shares its rich history with visitors.
Festivals also play a significant role in electronic dance music culture, so, unsurprisingly, Our House has partnered with some of the biggest festival names. One of their key partners is Tomorrowland, known for being one of the world’s largest and most popular electronic dance music festivals. These partnerships enrich the museum’s exhibits with stories, memorabilia, and experiences from dance music festivals.
The partnerships between Our House, clubs, and festivals allow the museum to offer a comprehensive and authentic experience of electronic dance music culture. Through these collaborations, visitors can immerse themselves in the music, the atmosphere, and the scene that has captivated millions worldwide.
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Amsterdam Dance Event
As a guy who has followed the iconic Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) for years and attended it in person last year (with plans to attend again this year), I can attest to its impact on the global dance music scene. ADE, a 5-day annual festival, features numerous industry conferences, street parties, and wild club nights scattered across Amsterdam, attracting people from far and wide to immerse themselves in dance music.
The Our House experience includes a nod to ADE, showcasing the importance of this festival in shaping the present and future of electronic dance music. I was pleased to spot Charlotte de Witte, Avicii, and other notable names associated with ADE within Our House’s exhibits.
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Heineken Experience
Potentially the best partnership Our House Amsterdam enjoys is with the ever-fantastic Heineken Experience. Heineken Lager Beer is a global brand originating in Amsterdam.
Despite being Dutch beer, this popular pilsner-esque lager is sometimes erroneously associated with German beer culture, which surprised me. Sacrilege! How could you mistake Heineken for German?
When I visited the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, I was amazed by the rich heritage of this world-famous beer brand. The attraction is in the first-built Heineken brewery in Amsterdam’s city center.
This brewery was actually closed in 1988 due to its inability to meet the high domestic and international demand for Heineken beer. However, the old brewery has been transformed into a museum that takes visitors like me on an interactive journey through Heineken’s history.
The Heineken Experience offers four floors of multimedia exhibits, historical brewing artifacts, and a tasting bar. I also took the ‘Brew Your Ride’ 4D adventure, which added an immersive element to my visit.
During a 1.5-hour self-guided tour, I gained insights into the brewing process used by Heineken over its 150-year history. I marveled at the impressive brewing equipment at the site and learned how this 19th Century brewery operated until the late 1980s when production was halted and moved to a more modern facility on the outskirts of Amsterdam.
For me though, the very best thing about the Heineken Experience is the fact that everyone over the age of 18 gets one free beer!
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Our House Amsterdam Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Our House Amsterdam is open Wednesday through Monday, with time slots available for tours between 12 p.m and 7:20 p.m. Times are subject to change, so make sure to check the ticket page for accurate time slots per day.
Address
You can find Our House Museum at Amstelstraat 24-26, Amsterdam (NL), close to the popular Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) area.
Tickets and Amsterdam City Card
Our House Museum offers skip-the-line tickets on Tiqets or GetYourGuide, which you can purchase online for just over $20 per adult. If you have an Amsterdam City Card, you can use it to access a discounted entry rate to Our House.
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Guided Tours and Language Support
Our House Museum offers a high-tech, audio-visual exhibition showcasing the evolution of electronic dance music through interactive installations and immersive shows. The museum’s guided tours are led by Dutch, English, French, or Italian-speaking staff, ensuring a wide range of visitors can enjoy the immersive experience together.
In addition to the guided tours, Our House Amsterdam provides a multi-sensory experience in their exhibition with interactive installations that enable visitors to immerse themselves in the world of electronic music fully.
Please note that guided tours are available in the first phase of the museum experience, and self-guided tours allow you to explore the history of electronic music at your own pace.
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Where to Stay Near Our House Amsterdam
From cheap hostels and family-friendly hotels to every kind of vacation rental under the sun, there are lots of great options regarding where to stay in Amsterdam. My recommendations would be the following hotels, all located close to the museum:
- Best Budget Hotel Near Our House Amsterdam: Rembrandt Square Hotel
- Best Mid-range Hotel Near Our House Amsterdam: Eden Hotel Amsterdam
- Best Luxury Hotel Near Near Our House Amsterdam: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
- Best Rental Near Our House Amsterdam: This Romantic Houseboat
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