News & tips

Annie M.G. Schmidt (1911–1995) wasn’t just a writer—she was a revolution in rhyme. With her sharp wit, playful language, and a healthy dose of mischief, she turned Dutch children’s literature upside down.

Constantijn Huygens (1596–1687) was a true polymath—poet, composer, diplomat, and scientist. As one of the most influential figures…

Arnon Grunberg (born 1971) is one of the most celebrated and prolific Dutch authors of his generation.

Karel Appel (1921–2006) was a Dutch painter, sculptor, and one of the founding members of the CoBrA movement.

Marleen Stikker is a Dutch internet pioneer, entrepreneur, and activist dedicated to open technology and digital rights.

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and thought leader known for shaking up conventional wisdom. Born in 1988, he has gained worldwide recognition for his fresh perspectives on economics, history, and social progress. His ideas challenge pessimism and promote a future where fairness, equality, and innovation thrive.

Johanna Westerdijk (1883–1961) was the first female professor in the Netherlands, but she was much more than just a pioneer—she was a scientist with a sense of humor, a love for music, and an undeniable passion for fungi.

Louis Couperus (1863 – 1923), born in the Hague and raised partly in the Dutch East Indies, was a living bridge between worlds.

Multatuli, the pen name of Eduard Douwes Dekker (1820–1887), is one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in Dutch literature. Born in Amsterdam, he didn’t initially aspire to be a writer.

Rineke Dijkstra, one of the most celebrated Dutch photographers of our time, has a knack for capturing the raw essence of humanity.

Jan Adriaenszoon Leeghwater (1575 – 1650), born in the picturesquevillage of De Rijp, North Holland, was more than just an engineer – he was a dreamer with a hammer and a plan.

From ordinary beginnings to extraordinary style Mathilde Willink – born Mathilde Maria de Doelder in 1938 in the picturesque town of Terneuze – was anything but ordinary.

Once temperatures start to drop in the Netherlands, the Dutch feel an unmistakable “itch in their legs”—an urge to head for frozen waters and strap on their skates.

Towards the end of each year, the Dutch embrace traditions that are all about indulging in seasonal foods and (to put it mildly) ‘chasing away the old year’s ghosts.’

Welcome to the Netherlands, a country where water is much more than just rainfall – it’s EVERYWHERE! From the charming canals and serene lakes to random ditches that appear out of nowhere, water is deeply embedded in Dutch daily life.

If you’ve wandered through Dutch shops in early November, you might have noticed shelves packed with mysterious treats like “pepernoten,” “kruidnoten,” and big chocolate letters.

When you think of Dutch contributions to the English language, food might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, Dutch culture has left a lasting mark on our kitchens, not just through iconic dishes but also in the words we use to describe them. From hearty comfort foods to spirited beverages, the Dutch have given us more than just flavors—they’ve enriched our vocabulary.

If you’re living in the Netherlands as an expat and have an interest in creativity, innovation, or design, Dutch Design Week (DDW) in Eindhoven is an event you don’t want to miss. Running from October 19 to 27, 2024, this yearly event showcases cutting-edge design from the Netherlands and beyond, offering a glimpse into the future of design across industries.