The Fabrique des Lumières is a new digital art centre in Amsterdam. Created by the fantastic Culturespaces team in the Westergasfabriek, an old gas plant in Amsterdam West (map), the Fabrique des Lumières offers visitors a magical, immersive art experience.

art attraction amsterdam — The Fabrique des Lumières in the Westergasfabriek.

Fabrique des Lumières

My first experience with the work of Culturespaces was during my Rhône River cruise in southern France. I visited the Carrières de Lumières, a wondrous exhibition in an old stone quarry in the Provence. I was truly impressed with the spectacular setting, the stunning images and music choices. So, when I found out that the same team was opening a new sister location in Amsterdam in April 2022, I knew I had to see it!

The Westergasfabriek, with its 17-meter-high walls and large open space, is the perfect location for this immersive exhibition. The hall was already in use for cultural exhibitions but this will now be the permanent home of the Fabrique des Lumières.

gustav klimt exhibition — Inside the Fabrique des Lumières.

Update: March 2024

In March 2024, a new exhibition opened featuring the works of the Dutch Masters, from Vermeer to Van Gogh. Purchase your Fabrique des Lumières tickets here. Read on to get an impression of what to expect at Fabrique des Lumières. I’ve seen two exhibitions so far: the very first featuring the works of Gustav Klimt and Hundertwasser, and another featuring the works of Salvador Dali and Anton Gaudi.

Gustav Klimt

The very first Fabrique des Lumières exhibition (2022) featured the vibrant and colourful works of Gustav Klimt and Friedensreich Hundertwasser, two of Austria’s most famous artists. The 45-minute show soon started with uplifting music and moving images. The famous works of Gustav Klimt filled the walls and floor, a vivid burst of colour that was simply enthralling.

At certain points, it was like I’d entered a different realm!

The most famous works of Gustav Klimt were from his ‘Golden Phase’. Inspired by the rich, golden mosaics in Ravenna, he used gold leaf to create his intricate, mosaic-like patterns.

The famous ‘Judith and the Head of Holofernes’ by Gustav Klimt was painted in 1901.

gustav klimt famous works — Pallas Athena (1898)

Hundertwasser

The Gustav Klimt show lasted about 30 minutes, and was followed by a shorter show featuring the brightly coloured works of Hundertwasser. The Culturespaces team have done an outstanding job to showcase the works of these artists, and pairing the constantly evolving images with music. The audiovisual effect is absolutely mesmerising!

hundertwasser works — The Hundertwasser segment was a 15-minute show of colour and youthful exuberance.

There’s so much to see that it’s hard to know where to look. My suggestion is to pick a few spots throughout the exhibition and stay put for a while in each spot. In the back of the hall is a balcony which provides a panoramic view of the hall but I recommend spending most of your time on the ground floor for a full immersive experience.

Personally, I’m thrilled that Culturespaces chose Amsterdam to open a new centre outside France! It truly is a fantastic addition to the diverse art scene in Amsterdam! Read more about things to do in Amsterdam and how I included Fabrique des Lumières in my 50th birthday celebrations in Amsterdam.