The competition seeks proposals for a new 9,000m² museum and 25,000m² park focussing on the Dutch history of slavery. The winning concept will be constructed on a waterfront site located at Kop van Java-eiland within Amsterdam’s former docklands.
The project – supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science – aims to create a ‘meaningful place for reflection, education and connection’ that ‘does justice to our shared past and offers prospects for future generations.’
According to the brief: ‘We see the museum’s role as offering an in-depth understanding of the Dutch history of slavery. By telling a shared story from diverse perspectives, the museum can shed light not only on the full history of slavery, but also on life before and after it, with particular attention to perspectives that have been neglected in traditional narratives.
‘By integrating diverse perspectives, such as the strength, identity and resistance of the people affected, the museum can present this history with honesty and balance. The museum will thus contribute to an informed society that recognises the complexity of the history of slavery.’
Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands with a population of around 933,000 residents. The settlement was a major centre of Dutch slavery and the global trade in enslaved people from the late 16th to the late 19th century.
The latest competition focusses on creating a new National Slavery Museum on a prominent waterfront site within Amsterdam’s former docklands. Kay aims include creating a ‘dignified and meaningful’ building that ‘conveys the full story of the Dutch history of slavery in different ways.’
Proposals should include an exhibition area, reception, research spaces, administrative offices, storage and logistical facilities. A park providing space for ‘reflection … relaxation and conversation’ will also be delivered.
Judges will include the chief government architect Francesco Veenstra; John Leerdam; former member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands; Noraly Beyer, Dutch former news presenter; Jennifer Tosch, founder of Black Heritage Tours in Amsterdam; and Winy Maas, founding partner of MVRDV.
A longlist of 10 design teams selected to proceed to the second stage of the contest will be announced in June. Each second round participant will receive a €12,000 fee. Teams selected for the third round will each receive a €50,000 fee.
Competition details
Project title National Slavery Museum
Client City of Amsterdam
Contract value tbc
First round deadline Midday local time (CET), 7 April 2026
Restrictions Participating teams must feature an architect, landscape architect and early career designers, historians or contextual experts with relevant experience. Applicants must demonstrate a clear engagement with the ‘social significance of the history of slavery and its ongoing impact.’ The competition languages are English and Dutch
More information https://www.amsterdam.nl/competition-national-slaverymuseum/