LIVING ON THE WATER
Sluishuis is one of Amsterdam’s most remarkable residential buildings. Instead of standing beside the River IJ, it embraces the water, allowing boats to pass directly beneath its dramatic opening. Its striking geometry, floating appearance and constantly changing reflections make it a modern landmark that perfectly illustrates Amsterdam’s centuries-old relationship with water.
Designed as both an architectural statement and a place to live, Sluishuis offers a different experience from every viewpoint. From beneath its overhanging structure to hidden staircases and quiet courtyards, every angle reveals a new perspective. It is architecture that invites exploration rather than simply observation.
The Eye of Modern Amsterdam
More than a film museum, Eye has become one of Amsterdam’s architectural landmarks. Its sculptural form seems to float above the IJ, changing character with every step around the building. Like a scene from a film, every viewpoint frames the architecture differently.
A’DAM Tower – Amsterdam Looks Forward
The photographs on this page capture more than the tower itself. Together they tell the story of Amsterdam-Noord, where former industrial waterfronts have been transformed into one of the city’s most innovative districts. From panoramic views across the IJ to the tower rising beside Eye Filmmuseum, every image reflects Amsterdam’s continuing evolution.
VALLEY – WHERE NATURE MEETS THE CITY
Valley is unlike any other building in Amsterdam. Instead of a traditional glass office tower, architect Winy Maas designed a vertical landscape where offices, homes and gardens blend together. The irregular stone façades, deep terraces and abundant greenery make the building appear almost like a rocky valley rising above the Zuidas.
Completed in 2021, Valley has quickly become one of the defining landmarks of Amsterdam’s business district. It demonstrates how contemporary architecture can combine sustainability, urban living and bold design into a single iconic building.
Modern Architecture on a Metropolitan Scale
The Johan Cruijff ArenA is much more than the home of Ajax. Since opening in 1996, it has become one of Amsterdam’s largest architectural landmarks, combining bold engineering with innovative design. Its sweeping steel roof and monumental structure were created to host football, concerts and international events on an impressive scale.
Unlike the intimate canal houses of Amsterdam’s historic centre, the ArenA was designed to welcome tens of thousands of visitors at once. Wide public spaces, clean architectural lines and an innovative retractable roof reflect the ambitions of a city that continues to look ahead while respecting its rich past
For me, the Johan Cruijff ArenA represents more than contemporary architecture. Having grown up supporting Ajax and admiring Johan Cruijff, photographing this remarkable stadium felt like capturing a place that has shaped both Amsterdam’s sporting history and my own memories. Looking beyond the football, its bold design and engineering reveal why it has become one of the city’s true modern landmarks.
IJDOCK – WHERE ARCHITECTURE MEETS THE WATER
IJdock transformed a former dockland into one of Amsterdam’s most striking contemporary neighbourhoods. Offices, apartments, a luxury hotel and public spaces come together on a series of artificial islands, creating a seamless connection between the historic city centre and the River IJ. Clean lines, reflective glass façades and carefully framed views make IJdock one of the city’s most photogenic examples of modern urban design.
The sharp triangular office building has become the architectural symbol of IJdock. Its elegant glass façade changes constantly with the light, reflecting the sky and surrounding water while creating a different appearance from every viewpoint. Walking through the complex reveals unexpected perspectives where bridges, courtyards and narrow passages connect the buildings into a coherent architectural landscape.
Although unmistakably modern, IJdock remains closely connected to Amsterdam’s maritime history. Built on the waterfront beside the historic city centre, it demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respect the scale of the surrounding neighbourhood while giving the area an entirely new identity. For me, IJdock is a place where geometry, light and reflections come together to create photographs that change character throughout the day.
THE POORTWACHTER – A Gateway Between Past and Future
Standing on the southern bank of the River IJ, the Poortwachter has become one of Amsterdam’s most distinctive contemporary landmarks. Its monumental square opening frames the sky and immediately catches the eye, creating a striking contrast with the historic city just beyond the waterfront.
Seen from the roof of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam’s historic centre, the Poortwachter rises beyond the twin towers of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Few viewpoints illustrate Amsterdam’s evolution so clearly, where centuries-old landmarks and contemporary architecture share the same skyline.
Continue Exploring Amsterdam
Modern architecture is only one side of Amsterdam’s story. If you would like to discover more of the city through fine art photography, explore the complete collection of colour photographs of Amsterdam. From historic canals and hidden courtyards to contemporary landmarks and vibrant waterfronts, every image captures a different perspective of this remarkable city.
👉 Discover the complete Amsterdam Colour Photography Collection