From Scale Model to Metropolis

From Model to Metropolis is an exhibition by Arcam about 40 years of urban development in Amsterdam. Featuring models and stories from designers, policymakers, and residents. On view at Arcam at the Oosterdok, from May 8 to September 27, 2026. Discover how choices made in the past shape the city of tomorrow. About the exhibition

In the exhibition From Scale Model to Metropolis (May 8 – September 2026), you experience Amsterdam up close, from the first scale models of iconic projects to the buildings of the future. Using unique scale models, you follow five construction phases of the past 40 years. And alongside realized buildings, this exhibition also shows the city of tomorrow with scale models of future buildings.

5 periods

The exhibition is structured around 5 periods, each presenting a unique vision of the city.

• 1986–1995 – The city recaptured (including the Rembrandt Tower)

• 1996–2005 – Experimentation and expression (including Silodam, IJ Tower, Zig-zag homes GWL site, Arcam)

• 2006–2015 – The global city (including Stedelijk Museum, Valley)

• 2016–2025 – The Just City (including De Ceuvel, Station Wildeman),

• 2025 and beyond – The city of tomorrow (Brink Tower, De Torteltuin, Haven-Stad)

Living history

Together, the scale models form a living history of the city: not only looking back, but also forward. An Amsterdam that is constantly being conceived, fought for, and built anew.