Painted on a large canvas, the Matter Mural stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s vibrant street art scene. Have you ever wondered how a former shipyard became a haven for global artists? Let’s delve into the story of this unique artwork and the museum that houses it.
The STRAAT Museum is located in Amsterdam Noord. It is not just any museum. It’s the world’s largest museum dedicated to street art and graffiti. Its home is the former engineering workshop of the Netherlands Dock and Shipbuilding Company. Long before the museum’s founding, these walls served as a Hall of Fame. Anyone was welcome to paint.
The idea for the STRAAT Museum began in 2015. Street artists were invited to create works inside the warehouse. They painted on canvases as big as actual buildings. The Matter Mural is one such piece. It respects the site-specificity at the core of street art.
The museum officially opened in October 2020. It has a collection of 150 artworks by 130 artists. These artists represent 32 nationalities. Each artist brought their unique vision. They transformed the industrial space into a dynamic gallery.
The opening exhibition was titled “Quotes from the Streets.” It addresses a fundamental question. Is street art inside still street art? The exhibition explores key narratives shared by graffiti and street artists worldwide. These narratives are grouped into five themes. Aesthetic explores street art’s pursuit of perfect shapes. Personal views street art as a reflection of the artist’s universe. Empathic zooms in on how street art communicates with its audience. Grounded reveals the connection between street art and its environments. Conscious demonstrates street art’s power to raise awareness for social and environmental causes.
The Matter Mural is located within this context. It is part of a larger movement. This movement redefines art within urban spaces. The STRAAT Museum ensures street art’s continued relevance and impact.
The museum highlights the importance of context. Some artworks are grounded in the warehouse that houses the STRAAT Museum. Others are inspired by Amsterdam and the Netherlands. The artists consciously use city streets to present their perspectives. These perspectives cover urgent issues. Immigration, identity, and the environment are some examples.
Visiting the STRAAT Museum is more than seeing art. It’s an immersive experience. You witness fresh, new, amazing works. The museum provides guided tours and audio tours. These enhance your understanding. A panoramic terrace overlooks the works. A small café offers refreshments. The gift shop allows you to support the artists.
To get to the STRAAT Museum take the free GVB Amsterdam ferry from behind Central Station. The ferry to NDSM-werf takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take metro line 52 to Noorderpark. Then get a bus to Atatürk/Klaprozenweg bus stop.
The Matter Mural is not just paint on a wall. It embodies the spirit of Amsterdam’s street art. It showcases the power of art to transform spaces and inspire dialogue. As you stand before this mural consider its journey. From a shipyard wall to a celebrated museum piece.