Dutch culture — tolerance, water, bicycles and commerce spirit. From Rembrandt and Vermeer to Van Gogh, from Erasmus to Anne Frank.
Language and Literature
Dutch — 25 million speakers worldwide. Erasmus of Rotterdam (16th c.) — humanist. Multatuli (Max Havelaar) critique of colonialism. Anne Frank diary — translated to 70+ languages. Hella Haasse, Cees Nooteboom — modern classics.
Painting — Golden Age
Dutch painting of 17th c. — globally unmatched. Rembrandt van Rijn (Night Watch), Johannes Vermeer (Girl with a Pearl Earring), Frans Hals, Jan Steen. 19th c.: Vincent van Gogh — sold only 1 painting in lifetime, now most valued. Mondrian — De Stijl movement.
Philosophy and Science
Erasmus, Spinoza, Hugo Grotius — father of international law. Antoni van Leeuwenhoek — inventor of microscope. Christiaan Huygens — pendulum clock, rings of Saturn. 21 Nobel Prizes.
Architecture
Amsterdam canals (UNESCO) — 17th c. urban planning. Beemster Polder UNESCO. Rietveld-Schröder House (De Stijl). Modern architects: Rem Koolhaas, MVRDV, UNStudio — globally active.
Traditions
Sinterklaas (December 5) — children festival with gifts. King Day (April 27) — orange celebration. Tulips — Keukenhof gardens. Clogs, windmills, cheese (Gouda, Edam). Stroopwafels, herring, bitterballen.
Festivals and Modern Culture
Amsterdam Pride, North Sea Jazz Festival, Lowlands. Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt), Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House. World-renowned DJs: Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix. Football: Cruyff, Van Basten.