Art & Literature

The Ambassade Hotel, often referred to as the “Writers’ Hotel,” has a strong literary tradition, particularly in its close ties with Amsterdam’s vibrant publishing scene. Since 1986, the hotel has been home to a remarkable collection of signed books, which reflects its longstanding relationship with authors. Dutch publishers typically book foreign authors into the Ambassade Hotel for the launch of their books’ Dutch translations. As a result, the hotel has hosted numerous renowned writers, creating a cultural hub for literature and fostering connections between authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts.

Additionally, captivated by the expression of CoBrA art, the hotel began collecting works from this influential post-war avant-garde movement in 1999. Today, the hotel boasts over 800 pieces from CoBrA artists like Asger Jorn, Pierre Alechinsky, and Karel Appel. The hotel’s goal is to continue expanding its collection, providing a comprehensive overview of CoBrA, which adds an artistic dimension to its literary legacy.

The Ambassade Hotel plays an integral role in the Dutch literary scene by providing a welcoming space for foreign authors to stay when their works are published in Dutch translation. The hotel’s longstanding partnership with Dutch publishers has turned it into a central meeting point for writers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts. In addition to offering a home for authors, the hotel also houses a significant collection of signed books that showcases the literary works of its esteemed guests.

The CoBrA movement. The CoBrA movement was a European avant-garde movement active from 1948 to 1951. CoBrA stands for Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam, representing the cities where the movement originated. It brought together artists from various backgrounds who sought to create art that was spontaneous, experimental, and expressive. CoBrA artworks are often characterized by bold colors, primitive forms, and a childlike sense of creativity. The movement had a significant impact on the development of contemporary art, influencing subsequent movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.

The owner fell in love with the art at the time in 1988. This has resulted in a contemporary collection of over 800 works of art!

To learn more about the hotel’s art and history, we recommend booking a private tour with Eduard Janssen, our expert guide. Eduard offers personalized insights into the hotel’s artistic legacy as well as Amsterdam’s rich cultural history. For more details and to arrange a tour, please visit the Private Tours page on our website.

The paintings from the collection are not available for purchase, but we invite you to enjoy them as part of your stay with us.