Introduction

Four hundred years ago, in 1624, the first Dutch settlers arrived in what is now New York City, and soon after established New Amsterdam and New Netherland. Over the next four centuries, New Amsterdam has made an impressive transformation, developing into today’s sprawling, diverse metropolis. And in honor of this historic 400-year milestone, the Netherlands wishes to mark the occasion by reflecting on the trials and triumphs that tell a more complete story of New York, while simultaneously looking toward the future. A future that showcases the variety and depth of Dutch-American arts, culture, and enterprise through artistic and innovative exploration, while actively seeking new connections and spawning surprising collaborations.

Standing apart from 2009’s celebration of Henry Hudson’s arrival in New York, this multi-year initiative provides an opportunity to tell the unique history of New York in fresh ways, incorporating perspectives that go beyond the Eurocentric by enriching the current narrative with the voices of those who also lived in and built this city: Native Americans, the enslaved people, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other voices often omitted in historical records, yet not lost from history.

Future 400 aims to be a catalyst directly impacting the next 400 years, ensuring a more equitable ideal for a truly shared history through partnerships among Dutch and American institutions. From 2024 to 2026, artists, performers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from the Netherlands and New York, representing a wide swath of cultures, will collaborate on a series of projects across a broad range of disciplines. New works will be created that grapple with the complex issues raised by this monumental anniversary. Works that serve to answer these fundamental questions: how do we tell the history of New York, including the founding and settling of New Netherland, honestly and inclusively? How do we candidly and meaningfully address the past? How do we acknowledge and steward those values sown centuries ago that still guide us? How do we treat each other in the present, and where are our blind spots? And, of particular note, what do we hope for in the future for our beloved city?

As new challenges arise every day, threatening to divide us, new voices come forward to meet those challenges. By empowering a team of multidisciplinary thinkers from the Netherlands and New York-Future 400 looks forward to the next four centuries, and beyond: A future that provides an opportunity to learn from the past collectively, put in the work to bridge communities, and build a more just tomorrow by creating space for collaboration across borders and boundaries.

FUTURE 400 gives New Yorkers the opportunity to experience their hometown through the lens of its history. From the past to the present, its projects center a multitude of voices—Indigenous, African-American, Dutch, and others—who made up the vibrant tapestry that was New Amsterdam, and whose diversity continues to distinguish New York City to this day.

Ahmed Dadou
Consul General of the Netherlands in New York

Timeline

After Henry Hudson found his way through the narrows between Staten Island and Long Island in 1609, the Dutch claimed the region, an area that started out for the Dutch primarily as fur trading posts. In the period of time between 1624 and 1626, many milestones in Dutch-New York history took place: the Dutch arrived to what’s now known as Governor’s Island; they established a settlement, New Amsterdam, on the southern tip of Manhattan Island; and they took ownership of Manhattan from the indigenous Lenape, in a transaction that, through the lens of time, takes on more nuance and provides an opportunity for reflection and deeper historical understanding. In the next forty years, New Amsterdam would grow to a population of 2,500 people, with a municipal government established in 1647. New Amsterdam developed into an important city of its time, until the English seized control in 1664. For more details on this Dutch colonial history in New York, please visit our respected partners, the New Netherland Institute.

Museum of the City of New York
Nationaal Archief
National Black Theatre
New Amsterdam History Center
New Netherland Institute
New York City Center
New York City Municipal Archives
New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs
New York Department of Cultural Affairs
New-York Historical Society
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Nieuwe Instituut
PEN World Voices Festival
Performa
Photoville
Planting Fields
Powerhouse Arts
Prototype Festival
Rambler Studios Amsterdam
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Rutkay Ozpinar
Schomburg Center
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Socially Relevant Film Festival
South Street Seaport Museum
Stick Together Gallery / Max Zorn
The Committee for New York’s Quadricentennial, Inc.
Tribeca Film Festival
Urban Myth

List in formation as of 3/7/2024

Events

Click the image to read our FUTURE 400 brochure, which features select projects

Many events, projects and activities are being planned by a multitude of artists, friends, partners,  arts organizations, and other collaborators. An overview can be found on our main page, and upcoming activities are marked by a FUTURE 400 emblem. All FUTURE 400 activities can be filtered with the FUTURE 400 button at the top of the main page.

> Dates and times can change. Please check with the organization for final details.

Live From New Amsterdam: Diana’s Child—Enslaved Communities and New York History

Online program with historians Nicole Maskiell and Deborah Hamer discussing women’s community building and slavery in Manhattan.
Date: February 29, 2024
Link: Live from New Amsterdam: Diana’s Child – Enslaved Communities and New York History – DutchCultureUSA

Future 400 Film Program, Featuring Screenings and Discussions

New York International Children’s Film Festival.
Date: March 2 – 17, 2024
Link: FUTURE 400: Native Cultures, New Communities program at the New York International Children’s Film Festival – DutchCultureUSA

New York Premiere of Depot – Reflecting Boijmans

Screening and talk with director Sonia Herman Dolz at the 11th Socially Relevant Film Festival.
Date: March 12 – 20, 2024
Link: 2024 PROGRAM – Documentary Features | Socially Relevant FF

“New York Before New York: The Castello Plan of New Amsterdam”

Exhibition at the New-York Historical Society exploring New Amsterdam’s early days.
Dates: March 15 – July 14, 2024
Link: “New York Before New York: The Castello Plan of New Amsterdam” exhibition at the New-York Historical Society – DutchCultureUSA

New York Before New York: The Dutch Impact

Talk at the New-York Historical Society exploring the Dutch influence on New York.
Date: March 20, 2024
Link: New York Before New York: The Dutch Impact – DutchCultureUSA

FUTURE 400 Launch Event

Launch event at the National Museum of the American Indian, celebrating the FUTURE 400 program.
Date: March 27, 2024
Link: FUTURE 400 Launch Event – DutchCultureUSA

Beatrice Glow: When Our Rivers Meet

Exhibition at the New-York Historical Society exploring the Hudson River’s cultural connections.
Dates: March 29 – August 18, 2024
Link: Beatrice Glow: When Our Rivers Meet – DutchCultureUSA

Nederlands Dans Theater at New York City Center

Performances by Nederlands Dans Theater.
Dates: April 3 – April 6, 2024
Link: Nederlands Dans Theater | New York City Center

Giving Voice to Value: 2024 Annual Conference of the Museum Association of New York

Annual conference focusing on museum practices and cultural value.
Dates: April 6 – 9, 2024
Link: Giving Voice to Value – DutchCultureUSA

Tulipday

Annual celebration of Dutch tulips.
Date: April 7, 2024

SWEET DREAMS Screening & Director Talk

Screening and discussions at Metrograph Cinema.
Dates: April 12 – 14, 2024
Link: Sweet Dreams – Now Playing In Theater at Metrograph

Park Avenue Tulips

Park Avenue Malls planted with Dutch tulips commemorating New Amsterdam’s 400th anniversary.
Date: April 26, 2024
Link: Park Avenue Tulips – New Amsterdam History Center

Slavery and the Slave Trade in New Netherland and the Dutch Atlantic World

Conference by the New Netherland Institute with the Schomburg Center and New-York Historical Society.
Dates: May 3-4, 2024
Link: Conference: Slavery in New Netherland and the Dutch Atlantic World – DutchCultureUSA

We Are Still Here! Lunaapeew / Lenape Celebration Weekend

Weekend activities celebrating the resilience of the Lunaapeew/Lenape community.
Dates: May 4-5, 2024
Link: We Are Still Here! Lunaapeew / Lenape Celebration Weekend – DutchCultureUSA

TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Annual bike tour across New York City’s five boroughs.
Date: May 5, 2024

Musicians of Ma’alwyck Present FORBIDDEN MUSIC REGAINED

Concert in Albany, NY.
Dates: May 4 – 6, 2024
Link: The Musicians of Ma’alwyck present Forbidden Music – DutchCultureUSA

Manahahtaanung or New Amsterdam: The Indigenous Story Behind New York

Exhibition at the Amsterdam Museum.
Dates: May 16 – November 10, 2024
Link: Manahahtáanung or New Amsterdam? | Amsterdam Museum

Shipwreck and Salvation – The Wreck of The Prince Maurice 1657

Presentations at three locations on Long Island.
Dates: May 16 – 18, 2024
Link: Lecture: “Shipwreck and Salvation – The Wreck of The Prince Maurice 1657” – DutchCultureUSA

Historic Hudson Valley Pinkster Festival, Philipsburg Manor

Celebration of Pinkster at Philipsburg Manor.
Date: May 25, 2024
Link: Celebrate Pinkster at Philpsburg Manor

Tom de Witte: Lecture at Wave Hill

Conversation with Tom de Witte, International Landscape Designer.
Date: May 28 – 30, 2024
Link: Tom de Witte: Lecture at Wave Hill – DutchCultureUSA

Ernst Coppejans: From the Streets to the Heart

Public exhibition as part of Photoville.
Dates: June 1 – 30, 2024
Link: Ernst Coppejans “From the Streets to the Heart” exhibition for Photoville 2024 as part of FUTURE 400 – DutchCultureUSA

Dutch Masters Revisited x Flex

Public exhibition as part of Photoville.
Dates: June 1 – 16, 2024
Link: Perception & Representation: Reframing “Modernity” exhibition at Photoville as part of FUTURE 400

Wild by Design Since 2009 – A Celebration of Piet Oudolf

Annual horticulture celebration at the High Line.
Dates: June 3 – September 30, 2024
Link: “Wild By Design Since 2009” – The High Line Celebrates its 15th Anniversary with Spotlight on Piet Oudolf – DutchCultureUSA

Voices from New Netherland: Unsealing the Vrooman Letters

Event exploring the historical significance of the Vrooman letters from New Netherland.
Date: June 12, 2024
Link: Voices from New Netherland: Unsealing the Vrooman Letters – DutchCultureUSA

Event Slavery Conference New-York Historical Society

Conference at the Scheepvaartsmuseum Amsterdam.
Date: June 17, 2024
Link: Slavery Conference

Ernst Coppejans: Artist Talk

Artist talk by Ernst Coppejans at the Bronx Documentary Center.
Date: June 18, 2024
Link: Ernst Coppejans: Artist Talk – DutchCultureUSA

Estrella Acosta Performs at PAC NYC

Performance at Perelman Performing Arts Center.
Date: June 22, 2024
Link: Lobby Stage – June | Perelman Performing Arts Center

Docent Training for “New World, New Netherland, New York” Curriculum

Training sessions by the New-York Historical Society as part of FUTURE 400.
Dates: July 1 – August 11, 2024

Rambler Studios NYC Summer Internship Program

Summer program for New York youth (“Ramblers”) at Henry Street Settlement and Artist & Fleas.
Dates: July 10 – August 19, 2024
Link: Rambler Studios 2024 Summer Program with Henry Street Settlement at Abrons Arts Center – DutchCultureUSA

BAAND Together Dance Festival at Lincoln Center

Featuring performances by Alvin Ailey and Ballet Hispánico.
Dates: July 30 – August 3, 2024
Link: BAAND Together Dance Festival · Lincoln Center

Rambler Fashion Show “Nothing New”

Fashion show by Rambler Studios talents in NYC.
Date: August 14, 2024
Link: Celebrating Talent through Fashion – Rambler Studios presents fashion show by 11 Rambler talents – DutchCultureUSA

Rutkay Ozpinar at Battery Dance Festival

Featuring a new commission by choreographer Rutkay Özpinar in partnership with Korzo.
Dates: August 11 – 17, 2024
Link: Rutkay Ozpinar at Battery Dance Festival – DutchCultureUSA

Erwin Olaf: Stages

Exhibition at Edwynn Houk Gallery.
Dates: September 3 – October 26, 2024
Link: Edwynn Houk Gallery presents “Erwin Olaf: Stages,” a retrospective exhibition – DutchCultureUSA

New Curriculum “New World, New Netherland, New York”

New educational materials by the New-York Historical Society as part of FUTURE 400.
Link: New York Historical Society Created Classroom Materials on New World – New Netherland – New York – DutchCultureUSA

Delights of the Senses: Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art and Life

Exhibition at the Albany Institute of History and Art featuring works from the Leiden Collection.
Dates: September 4 – December 31, 2024
Link: Delights of the Senses: Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art and Life, Featuring Paintings from the Leiden Collection – DutchCultureUSA

Holland Society NY 400 Picnic

Celebration event on Governors Island as part of FUTURE 400.
Date: September 14, 2024
Link: New York 400 picnic at Governors Island – DutchCultureUSA

Historic House Trust – Tour of Historic Dutch Houses in Brooklyn

Shuttle tour showcasing Dutch-American historic homes in Brooklyn.
Date: September 14, 2024
Link: Building Brooklyn: Dutch Historic House Shuttle Tour – DutchCultureUSA

“Stimulus Interactiva”

Immersive culinary art experience by Creative Chef Studio at Powerhouse Arts.
Date: October 7, 2024
Link: “Stimulus Interactiva” – Immersive culinary art experience by Creative Chef Studio at Powerhouse Arts – DutchCultureUSA

Piet Oudolf: Wild by Design Since 2009

Evening with Piet Oudolf celebrating the High Line’s horticulture legacy.
Date: October 8, 2024
Link: Wild by Design Since 2009: An Evening with Piet Oudolf – DutchCultureUSA

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Two performances at Carnegie Hall.
Dates: November 18 – 24, 2024
Link: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra triumphs on U.S. Tour with Klaus Mäkelä – DutchCultureUSA

Piet Mondrian: Even Further

Exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum showcasing the works of Piet Mondrian.
Dates: November 22, 2024 – April 20, 2025
Link: Collection in Focus | Piet Mondrian: Ever further | The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation

African Diaspora International Film Festival – SELLING A COLONIAL WAR

Closing-night film with director Q&A and reception.
Date: December 15, 2024
Link: ADIFF: Premier Festival for Films About Africa and the African Diaspora

New Visions of Old New York
The NYC Department of Records and Information Services & the New Amsterdam History Center present a new collaborative exhibit
Date: January 23 – December 20, 2025
Link: New Visions of Old New York – DutchCultureUSA

Trace(s): Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery

Exhibition in Brooklyn.
Dates: January 30 – August 30, 2025
Link: Trace/s: Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery in Brooklyn | DutchCultureUSA

New Research on Enslavement in Upper Manhattan

DyckmanDISCOVERED webinar updating research on slavery in Upper Manhattan.
Date: February 5, 2025
Link: Dyckman Farmhouse presents Lectures on Shared History – DutchCultureUSA

The Harlem African Burial Ground: History Beneath Our Feet

Webinar exploring the history of the Harlem African Burial Ground.
Date: February 12, 2025
Link: Dyckman Farmhouse presents Lectures on Shared History – DutchCultureUSA

KINGS COME HOME

Theatrical production at Apollo Theater in NYC.
Dates: March 5 – 16, 2025
Link: National Black Theatre – Kings Come Home – DutchCultureUSA

Envisioning Seneca Village

Webinar examining Seneca Village’s history and significance.
Date: February 26, 2025
Link: Dyckman Farmhouse presents Lectures on Shared History – DutchCultureUSA

The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt

Exhibition at the Jewish Museum featuring works by Rembrandt and contemporaries.
Dates: March 7 – August 10, 2025
Link: Jewish Museum

 

 

Recent Events

 

Trace(s): Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery

Exhibition in Brooklyn.
Dates: January 30 – August 30, 2025
Link: Trace/s: Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery in Brooklyn | Brooklyn Public Library

The Harlem African Burial Ground: History Beneath Our Feet

Webinar exploring the history of the Harlem African Burial Ground.
Date: February 12, 2025
Link: Dyckman Farmhouse presents Lectures on Shared History – DutchCultureUSA

KINGS COME HOME

Theatrical production at Apollo Theater in NYC.
Dates: March 5 – 16, 2025
Link: National Black Theatre – Kings Come Home – DutchCultureUSA

Envisioning Seneca Village

Webinar examining Seneca Village’s history and significance.
Date: February 26, 2025
Link: Dyckman Farmhouse presents Lectures on Shared History – DutchCultureUSA

The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt

Exhibition at the Jewish Museum featuring works by Rembrandt and contemporaries.
Dates: March 7 – August 10, 2025
Link: Jewish Museum