3 chapters across the catalog
A massive fire destroyed the historic Vondelkerk Church in central Amsterdam during New Year's Eve celebrations. The 150-year-old monument, located near the van Gogh Museum, suffered a total roof collapse and steeple destruction while residents were evacuated from nearby homes. Authorities declared a regional emergency as investigators look into whether illegal fireworks caused the blaze.
MoMA, Van Gogh Starry Night, Selfie Stick Culture
A report from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) describes crowds of tourists using selfie sticks to photograph themselves in front of Van Gogh's "Starry Night." The hosts lament the shift in museum culture where visitors focus more on their own image than the artwork itself. They call for stricter bans on selfie sticks to protect the art and improve the experience for other patrons.
Amsterdam offers a variety of world-class cultural attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, which houses hundreds of the artist's original works, and the Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt's Night Watch. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and take canal cruises, such as the "Wine and Cheese Cruise," to view the city's unique architecture from the water. The Anne Frank House remains a popular but somber destination that frequently draws long queues.
