Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Fort bij Vijfhuizen is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, a defensive ring around the capital roughly 135 kilometers long, built between 1880 and 1914. In an emergency, the surrounding land was to be flooded; the fort guarded the point where the Geniedijk crossed the Haarlemmermeer. It is one of the early concrete structures in the Netherlands. The complex includes the Genieloods, a storage shed for guns and ammunition built in 1896.

The Stelling never saw combat – by the time it was completed, it was already considered technically obsolete. According to the Kunstfort, the fort lost its military function in 1963. The Stelling van Amsterdam has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, and since 2021 as part of the Hollandse Waterlinies (Dutch Water Defence Lines).

After a restoration based on plans by architect Jan Boot, the fort opened as Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen on May 8, 2005. Since then it has shown changing exhibitions of contemporary art that often relate to the site, the landscape, and the history of defense; the island also features outdoor artworks, including the permanently installed piece "Sluipweg, waarlangs de dood heeft weten te ontsnappen" by Hans van Houwelingen.

Today the venue sees itself as a place for future scenarios at the intersection of military architecture, ecology, and art. Since 2023 it has been a so-called Zoöp, an organization that factors the interests of non-human life into its decisions. The fort is also home to studios, a brasserie, and a gin distillery.

Highlights

• Changing exhibitions of contemporary art in the fort building
• Fortress island with outdoor artworks, freely accessible every day
• Part of the Hollandse Waterlinies UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Historic Genieloods from 1896
• Historical guided tours of the fort complex

Permanent exhibitions

• Rondje Fort – Outdoor artworks by various artists on the fortress island, mostly on loan, dealing with themes such as transformation, loss, and decay.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Stichting Kunstfort Activiteiten

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart; various other discount cards are accepted. The fortress island with the outdoor artworks is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The fort building and the Genieloods are accessible by wheelchair, mobility scooter, rollator, and stroller; the peninsula so far only to a limited extent. Wheelchair-accessible restroom in the Genieloods. Assistance dogs on a leash are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

During the fall school break, the Cinekid children's film festival comes to the fort (films for ages 4 to 10, workshop); for the "Nacht van de Nacht" (Night of the Night) there are family activities on the darkened island.

Getting there & parking

Visitors with limited mobility could drive up to the fort after arranging it by phone (according to the museum's older website).

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Brasserie Fort5 on the fortress island (also catering and private parties); the fort is also home to the Tolmanns gin distillery.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 140 guests.

Genieloods meeting space (reception up to 140, theater 80–100, dinner 75–140, boardroom 32 people) with Wi-Fi and basic sound equipment; catering by Brasserie Fort5, can be combined with an exhibition or history tour and a gin tasting. Private parties are organized by Brasserie Fort5.

Plan your visit