The Netherlands
The art of invention
Dutch innovation and inventions – and their impact on society – are explored in this fascinating interactive exhibition, organised in collaboration with the National Archives and Delft University of Technology. On display are drawings by famous inventors like Simon Stevin and Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater, alongside ingenious contraptions like the emergency telephone pole and SENZ storm umbrellas (which visitors can test for themselves in a wind turbine!).
MADE IN HOLLAND Until March 21; Kunsthal, Westzeedijk 341 (Museumpark), Rotterdam; +31 10 4400300; www.kunsthal.nl
EVENTS
ART ROTTERDAM February 4-7
Fresh new talent and the latest developments in contemporary art abound at this trendsetting art fair. Cruise Terminal, Wilhelminakade 699, Rotterdam; +31 10 7420258;
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM Until February 7
Rotterdam’s superb annual film fest devotes itself to independent, innovative and experimental movies from around the world – the majority of which premier here. Box Office: De Doelen, Kruisstraat 2, Rotterdam; www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com
ABN AMRO WORLD TENNIS TOURNAMENT February 8-14
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and other major players are set to appear at this prestigious men’s indoor tennis tournament.Ahoy, Ahoy-Weg 10, Rotterdam; 0900 2352469 (NL only); www.abnamrowtt.nl
CARNIVAL February 14-16
Maastricht’s infamous carnival livens up the city’s historic heart.www.vvvmaastricht.nl
HOLLAND FLOWERS FESTIVAL February 24-28
A horticultural feast of colour and scents. The Greenery, Centrale Markt 5, Zwaagdijk-Oost; +31 228 511644; www.hollandflowersfestival.nl
FAULTY TOWERS… THE DINING EXPERIENCE Until April 25
An interactive show performed by three Australian actors, based on the 1970s’ BBC series Fawlty Towers.
Various locations in The Netherlands; www.ruuddegraaf.nl
MARIETTA PETKOVA Until May 12
The gifted Bulgarian pianist with a repertoire of Schumann and Chopin. Various locations in The Netherlands; www.mariettapetkova.com
STAMPING SILENCE Until June 6
The International Dance Theater perform this ‘ode to love’ in a variety of world dance styles and music, played by a live orchestra. Various locations in The Netherlands; +31 20 6239112; www.intdanstheater.nl
HOLLAND-AMERIKA LIJN Until June 18
Innovative dance company Introdans focuses on works by three American choreographers – Glen Tetley’s The Anatomy Lesson, Psalm from José Limón and No Longer Silent by Robert Battle – as part of its current season. Various locations in The Netherlands; www.introdans.nl
EXHIBITIONS
HAUTE COUTURE: VOICI PARIS! February 20 to June 6
An exclusive glimpse into the rich history of haute couture, featuring creations from collections by Dior, Chanel, Christian Lacroix and Jean Paul Gaultier.Gemeentemuseum, Stadhouderslaan 41, The Hague; +31 70 3381111 www.gemeentemuseum.nl
PHOTOGRAPHY! Until April 18
Pieces from Leiden University’s unique photographic collection show the emergence and development of photography. Includes work by William Fox Talbot, Richard Avedon and Diane Arbus. Fotomuseum, Stadhouderslaan 43, The Hague; +31 70 3381144; www.fotomuseumdenhaag.nl
GIGS
David Gray February 3, Vredenburg (Utrecht)
Vonda Shephard February 19, 013 (Tilburg)
Elvis Presley in Concert February 24, Ahoy (Rotterdam)
Info and tickets: www.livenation.nl
