L'Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam claims to be the "first museum of fluorescent art".
Today, let me take you to this wonderful place where you can discover atypical works of art.
Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam: article summary
- Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam: an explosion of color from the moment you arrive
- Preparing to enter the museum
- Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam: discover the works on site
- Abstract expressionism
- A visit to Electric Ladyland with the artist
- Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam: discover the story behind this museum
Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam: an explosion of color from the moment you arrive
You may feel slightly overwhelmed when you enter Amsterdam's Electric Ladyland. The walls are covered in paintings of all shapes and sizes.
On these, you'll quickly notice a particular detail. They are all painted with fluorescent colors.
A veritable cacophony of color unfolds before you.
Preparing to enter the museum
Before entering the museum itself, located in the basement, you must pay the entrance fee and remove your coats and shoes.
Beware, the space for changing is very small and it can be difficult to maneuver without bumping into an object or person in the room.
Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam: discover the works on site
Once you've got rid of your Bordeaux and shoes, you can head down to the basement to discover the fluorescent works of Nick Padalino. The basement itself is an interesting shape.
In fact, it's curved from floor to low ceiling in strange shapes. Sort of, it can look like a cave.
You'll also understand why you're wearing socks in this room. Fluorescent art doesn't just stay on the wall. They cover the entire room.
You can then start exploring the site and press various buttons to activate blue lights and discover what lies behind his fluorescent works.
Abstract expressionism
If you visit the Electric Ladyland website, you'll quickly realize that every little part of this tiny installation expresses something Padalino has seen or experienced.
For example, the explanation of the "Plains of Heaven" segment refers to his journey down the Ganges.
A visit to Electric Ladyland with the artist
While you explore the environment, Padalino acts as your tour guide. He will explain everything there is to know about fluorescent paint.
He'll tell you about the science behind each color, and explain that some paints are natural, while others have to be created artificially.
Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam: discover the story behind this museum
On site, you'll discover the artist's stories. He will explain his travels in India and New Jersey.
He'll also tell you about his partner, Delage, who decorated the ground-floor room. The two artists met in Amsterdam in the 1970s and never left.
Padalino's obsession with fluorescence led them to create this museum in 1999.
If you're looking for an unusual experience in Amsterdam, this may be the place for you. As far as the visit is concerned, you allow around 30 minutes for a complete tour of the exhibition.
Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam is first and foremost the dream of two men who have built their own world. They share it with you on every visit.
If you're nostalgic for the days when fluorescent art was the height of creativity, this is definitely the place for you. You can also visit this place if you're curious about discover a fluorescent world created from scratch in the center of Amsterdam.
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
Leave a Reply