The John Adams Institute
Amsterdam's home for independent American thought
Upcoming events
Principles & Power with David Cattler
The Transatlantic Alliance Today
New Neighbors on the Block
Meet and greet by the John Adams & American Book Center
Get acquainted with the John Adams by watching recordings of our lectures or listening to our podcast ‘Bright Minds’.
About The John Adams Institute
The United States is one of the world's most influential and contested countries, and impossible to ignore. For forty years, the John Adams Institute has been the Netherlands' home for thoughtful conversations about American culture, politics, literature, and ideas. Our stage has welcomed leading writers, thinkers, artists, and public figures. The John Adams Institute is where the Netherlands thinks seriously about America.
What else is going on?
American culture in the Netherlands
Discover a Shared Dutch-American History in Schermerhorn
From late September through early October 2026, the Grote Kerk Schermerhorn will host a special exhibition exploring the historic ties between Schermerhorn, and the early Dutch presence in North America. Through historical displays, lectures, documentary screenings, concerts, children’s activities, the exhibition brings to life the maritime networks that connected the Dutch Republic and New Netherland in the seventeenth century. Highlights include artwork by renowned maritime artist Len Tantillo. For the full program and more information, click here.
250 Years of America in Posters
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Design Museum Dedel in The Hague tells the remarkable story of an event that helped shape American history. In 1782, Huis Dedel—the museum’s home—hosted the agreement that secured a crucial Dutch loan for the young republic, paving the way for its independence. The exhibition also traces 250 years of American history through iconic posters, revealing the evolution of advertising, consumer culture, and graphic design. On view from 14 July.