12 September 2025 – 15 February 2026
Stadsarchief Amsterdam
De Wallen, also known as the Red Light District, is an area in the oldest district of Amsterdam known for its long history of window bordellos and sex shops. It draws large numbers of visitors and is among the top three tourist destinations in Amsterdam. The associated criminal activity and general nuisance from, for example, tourist shops are an ongoing cause of concern.
When the City Archives invited Dana Lixenberg to do a photo project on Amsterdam, she chose to focus on De Wallen, a neighbourhood she has a personal history with. She lived there for the early part of her life and her father, the artist Cyril Lixenberg, maintained a studio there until he died. During the downtime brought about by the Covid lockdowns, she rediscovered the neighbourhood she knew well. From 2021 to 2025 Lixenberg became part of the microenvironment that is De Wallen: its narrow alleyways, canals, daily rhythm. She observed life there closely, with an eye for detail and without judgment. The result is a series of intimate black-and-white portraits and monumental interior photographs in colour, a video installation and a book.
The De Wallen exhibition and publication present a portrait of this unique neighbourhood in the historic city centre as captured for our time. Despite all the different kinds of problems, there is a strong sense of community: different generations of Amsterdammers, newcomers, entrepreneurs, sex workers, students, the unhoused and artists all living and working side by side. This tends to go remarkably well, but can also cause friction. The De Wallen exhibition by Dana Lixenberg opens 12 September 2025 at the Amsterdam City Archives.Based on photos, archival documents, historical radio and television fragments and unique objects – such as the original medal with the Ajax logo from 1924 – you will discover the story of Ajax. Listen to stories from Louis van Gaal about his childhood in the Watergraafsmeer, Jari Litmanen about his first experiences in Amsterdam, Isa Kardinaal about what it means to wear the Ajax shirt and ‘Mister Ajax’ Sjaak Swart goes back to the golden years, between 1965 and 1975. But Ajax is more than players, coach and stadium: supporters also make up the club. There is room for their special and personal stories in this exhibition.
Bastard Orange Lighting Design created the lighting design for the exhibition.
