This weekend, the Dutch Graffiti Library opened its new museum in Amsterdam’s Centrale Markt Hal during Open Monument Day. The 140m² space offers visitors a unique look into the history of graffiti culture, featuring a collection of photographs, objects, and stories compiled by brothers Marcel and Richard since the 1980s.
A Collection Rooted in Graffiti History
Inspired by the American graffiti movement, the brothers documented the scene in the Netherlands, collecting rare items like books, posters, and original works by renowned artists such as Delta, Shoe, and Eras. The museum preserves this history while also inspiring today’s artists with its rich archives.
An Educational Hub for Visitors
In addition to individual visitors, the museum is also an excellent destination for school visits and corporate events, offering guided tours, educational workshops, and lectures on graffiti’s origins and impact. The interactive touch table, where visitors can explore digital versions of graffiti “black books,” adds a hands-on element, making it particularly appealing for educational groups.
Special Exhibition: Martinus Papilaja’s ‘Underground’
The museum’s opening coincided with a special exhibition by graffiti artist Martinus Papilaja, whose work reflected this year’s Open Monument Day theme: ‘Underground.’ Papilaja’s journey from local street writer to international artist was showcased in his recent pieces on display, demonstrating graffiti’s lasting influence on urban culture. The museum’s exhibition space will continue to feature work by underground artists with a street-smart mentality.
A Dynamic Cultural Experience
As graffiti continues to shape modern art, fashion, and design, the Dutch Graffiti Library Museum offers a dynamic cultural experience. Whether for school groups, companies looking for unique team-building experiences, or casual visitors, the museum provides an engaging environment to explore the history and future of graffiti culture.