REFLEKTOR / SPOTLIGHT
T his city that’s known for its architecture, canals and museum scene is ad- ditionally transformed in the evening hours thanks to the annual Light Festival that invites both residents and tourists to contem- plate art, technology, light and history. This year’s 14 th edition of the festival runs from 27 th November until 18 th January 2026, with light installations switched on every evening at around 5pm and shining until 10 or 11pm, depending on the day of the week. These installations are locat- ed beside canals, bridges, buildings and public spaces in Amsterdam city centre. The best way to experience this festival of lights is from the perspective of the ca- nals. Festive cruises last around 75 min- utes and depart every half an hour be-
AMSTERDAM LIGHT FESTIVAL When the city becomes a light art canvas From late November until mid-January, art dances with the shadows of Amsterdam, creating magical forms on the waterways and historic buildings located alongside the city’s canals
tween 5.45pm and 9.30pm, depending on the cruise organiser and the day. The canal boats used for this purpose are heated and boast large windows, while they often also have audio explanations and maps of the artworks. An alterna- tive is to walk the path of the light route, which runs for approximately seven kilo- metres and can be followed using the fes- tival app, which provides all relevant in- formation. Guided cycling tours are sometimes also organised. Each year’s festival has its own theme that links the individual installations through a coherent narrative. For ex- ample, the theme of the previous edi- tion was “Rituals”, while this year’s focus will be on “Legacy”, seeking an- swers to the questions of what we leave behind for future generations, what causes identity to change over time and how memory shapes our world. More than 20 complex works installed alongside canals, bridg- es and buildings will allow visitors to view the city in a completely new light (quite literally).
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