In the 1930s, a lively jazz scene flourished in the migrant city of Amsterdam, involving artists from the United States, Suriname, Eastern Europe and Amsterdam itself. From 3 April 2026, the Amsterdam City Archives presents a multimedia exhibition about this fascinating period: Jazz Years: People, Migration and Music in Amsterdam, 1930-1939. This exhibition, which is full of stories, photographs, paintings, personal objects, film footage and, of course, music, brings the lives and networks of jazz musicians to life, showcasing how jazz is not only a style of music but also a powerful symbol of encounters, exchanges and collaborations between cultures.
In the 1930s, jazz musicians such as Freddy Johnson, Boy Edgar, Teddy Cotton and Kid Dynamite lived and worked in Amsterdam. In addition, world stars including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Coleman Hawkins and Cab Calloway performed in the city during this period. Besides these famous names, the exhibition highlights lesser-known artists like Rosie Poindexter, Alma Braaf and Clara de Vries.
Concerts in collaboration with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Of course, there will also be plenty of music during the exhibition! The Conservatorium van Amsterdam is proud to be one of the venues offering a musical programme. More information will follow soon.