As Amsterdam prepares to host World Pride in 2026, an ambitious art project named 'Queertropolis' is set to transform a corner of the NDSM wharf into a temporary, self-governed queer city. From July 1st to August 9th, Treehouse NDSM will become the site of an immersive ecosystem where visitors are invited to be more than spectators; they will be active citizens.
The project, curated by artist Gabriele Bonomi, is built on principles of radical inclusion and shared governance. Instead of a traditional gallery experience, Queertropolis aims to be a living habitat where attendees can claim a symbolic ID card, contribute to a collective 'Living Map' of the space, and even participate in daily elections to nominate a town mayor.
A Phased Opening: Digital and Physical Worlds
Queertropolis will launch in two distinct phases. The first begins on July 1st with a 24/7 digital exhibition. The large window on the east side of Treehouse NDSM will become a public screen, looping digital artworks from queer artists across four continents. This 'window to the world' will serve as a visual beacon on the busy NDSM grounds, offering a preview of the project's global scope.
Featured digital artists include:
- Zun. / Henteko Land (Japan), with a vibrant pop animation celebrating diverse coexistence.
- Maria Komogortseva (Russia/Amsterdam), presenting a watercolor animation exploring themes of home and belonging.
- Leo Arcelay-Christiano (United States), who navigates gender dysphoria and transformation in the piece In Between Skin.
- cerradynho (Brazil), whose photography champions queer nightlife identities as a form of resistance.
On July 24th, the physical gates of Queertropolis will open. The interior of Treehouse NDSM's pavilion will be transformed into a multi-sensory sanctuary. The exhibition brings together dozens of works from Treehouse resident artists and international guests, focusing on tactile and participatory installations.
Art as a Living System
The physical exhibition is designed to dissolve the boundary between art and observer. The collection features a wide array of mediums and perspectives, from the 'queer macabre zines' of Cat Moran (Meat_daughter) and the intricate fiber art of Christopher Kale to Tom Veldkamp’s unapologetically kinky tapestries that subvert domestic craft.
Other works confront the gender binary, such as a suspended watercolor self-portrait by María Escarpenter, while participatory installations by Lis Walter and the duo Chiara Fehling & Thalea Albrecht invite viewers to physically step into explorations of cruising, trauma, and desire. The project also emphasizes sustainability, with artists like Marcia (Arte Boa) using salvaged materials and Cristina Iordache (Agga Concept) building a kinetic metal tunnel from recycled components.
More Than an Exhibition: A Community Program
A central component of Queertropolis is its communal program. Throughout its two-week physical run, the space will host a schedule of hands-on workshops, communal dinners, artist talks, and live performances. The calendar is designed to use art as a tool for connection and community-building, transforming the exhibition into a functioning social hub during the peak of World Pride.
Key Information
What: Queertropolis
Where: Treehouse NDSM, Amsterdam
When:
- Digital Window Expo: Starts July 1st, 2026 (24/7)
- Physical Exhibition & Program: July 24th – August 9th, 2026
- Opening Hours: Daily from 13:00 to 18:00, with extended hours for scheduled events.
