Love on the Canals – 30 Years of Canal Parade
Until September 27, 2026Grachtenmuseum Amsterdam presents the exhibition ‘Love on the Canals – 30 Years of the Canal Parade’. Unique photography, personal stories and art works show that Pride is a celebration, a protest and cultural heritage, all at same time. The exhibition is part of the official programme for WorldPride 2026 and will run from 3 July to 27 September 2026.
A city in motion
‘Love on the Canals – 30 Years of the Canal Parade’ dives into the history, significance and future of the world-famous boat parade. Using photographs from various archives, the exhibition shows how what began in 1996 as a celebration to attract more LGBTQIA+ visitors to the city in the summer, has grown into a nine-day festival and one of the largest and most remarkable celebrations worldwide. In addition, there are personal stories to be heard that bring the development of the Canal Parade to life.
Anniversary year
For 30 years now, Amsterdam’s canals have provided the backdrop for one of the city’s most unique events. At the same time, the city is celebrating important anniversaries, including 80 years of COC Nederland and 25 years since same-sex marriage was legalised. And in 2026 Amsterdam will host WorldPride for the first time.
Art by Yamuna Forzani
The exhibition will feature a number of textile works by artist and queer activist Yamuna Forzani. In her work, Yamuna depicts a colourful, utopian queer world, with her community at its centre.
Guest Curator
The exhibition was developed in collaboration with Gijs Stork. He is a cultural organizer and facilitator based in Amsterdam (NL) and Champéon (FR), working at the intersection of art, culture, and community building, with a strong focus on queer art, artisanal craftsmanship, and inclusive cultural programming. In addition, Gijs Stork is involved with the platform Queer Currents, where he contributes to the organization, production, and strategic development of programs that highlight queer art, culture, and social dialogue. Alongside his work in the cultural sector, he is also co-author of the popular walking guide series Amsterdam Through with Gijs and Floor.
This exhibition has been made possible thanks to the support of the Empowermentfonds and Stichting Pride Amsterdam.
