Just beyond the city limits of Amstelveen you will find the brilliantly white Cobra Museum of Modern Art, which opened its doors in 1995. It focuses on Karel Appel (the founder of the CoBrA Movement), Constant, Corneille and other members of the controversial post–war movement, which took its name from the first letters of three European capitals – Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam – where its members were based.

The Cobra Museum is designed by the well-known Dutch architect Wim Quist. It is thought to be one of the most beautiful museums in the Netherlands.

The artists of the CoBrA movement wanted their work to be direct and spontaneous. They made great use of their imagination and used bright colours. They also used many different materials. Painters joined the CoBrA group, as well as photographers, video artists, sculptors and poets.

The CoBrA movement was founded in 1948, but was already dissolved in 1951. During its short existence, they managed to change the existing views on modern art in the Entherlands. After World War II the founders longed for a change in society: people should all be equal and art should be aimed at all people. They chose a cobra snake as their symbol.

To get there , take tram 5 from Central Station of to the end of the line.

Address

Sandbergplein 1/3
1181 ZX Amstelveen
www.cobra-museum.nl

Opening hours

Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm; free entrance