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The people who formulate policies and design the city are disproportionately often white, highly educated, heterosexual, and male. This does not reflect the rich diversity of Amsterdam’s residents. The Subjective Atlas presents the Dutch capital as experienced by the residents themselves, especially those most often pushed to the margins. This leads to a much more diverse picture of what people need in their city.

The maps and videos illustrate a city that is often far from being accessible, affordable or safe. The city is literally impassable for Eric Groot Kormelink, who has difficulty getting from home to work in his electric wheelchair. Mahmoud’s map shows that many places are not accessible to people who call Amsterdam home, but are without a residence permit or money. Teferi stresses the importance of public drinking water fountains in the city, since accessible drinking water is not available to all. Janfrans van Eerden’s and vreer verkerke’s maps show that safety cannot always be taken for granted by the LGBTQ+ community. And what strikes Amsterdam’s residents? Ravi Blits collects and recycles electronic waste in the city. Anna Torres marvels at developments in the Red Light District, and Alexandra Rouppe van der Voort focuses on what is happening in her own small garden.

Watch the video and the maps to discover even more voices of Amsterdam. Together, the maps form a collection of mundanities, which are sometimes amusing but often poignant. Each map actually represents much more than one resident of the city: they are the realities of a diverse mix of individuals who are often overlooked by policymakers and planners. We hope that this Atlas contributes to making the city a better place, for everyone.

Date: 8 September – 29 October 2023
Location: OBA Oosterdok
Address: Oosterdokskade 143, 1011DL Amsterdam
Visiting hours: ma-vr van 08.00 – 22.00 uur en zat-zon van 10.00 – 20.00 uur
Admission: free
Accessibility:

• Lift or stairlift floor
• Adapted sanitary facilities
• Wheelchair accessible
• Disabled parking

Get your copy of the Subjective Atlas of Amsterdam easily online via our bookshop.