Amsterdam will light up dozens of its most recognisable buildings in rainbow colours during WorldPride 2026, as the Dutch capital prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for the international LGBTQ+ celebration.
A record 53 landmarks, museums, hotels, businesses and cultural institutions have signed up to take part in the initiative, which will see façades illuminated from 25 July - 8 August in a show of support for diversity, inclusion and equal rights.
Among the locations taking part are Amsterdam Centraal station, the Passenger Terminal, the Stopera, Eye Filmmuseum, the Johan Cruijff ArenA, the Van Gogh Museum, Paradiso, the Beurs van Berlage and the Ziggo Dome.
Organisers said the initiative would transform the city into an "Amsterdam Rainbow City", creating striking photo opportunities for visitors while highlighting the city's reputation for openness and hospitality.
The illuminated buildings will remain lit between 10pm and 7am throughout the two-week WorldPride celebrations. A map showing all participating locations is expected to be released to help visitors plan their own walking routes around the city after dark.
The official launch of the lighting programme will take place at Amsterdam Centraal on 25 July, when a ceremony is scheduled between 10.30pm and 11.30pm to mark the start of the initiative.
The celebrations will culminate on 8 August with the WorldPride March, which is expected to attract thousands of participants from the Netherlands and abroad.
Marchers will gather from 3pm near Martin Luther King Park on President Kennedylaan for speeches, performances and community events before setting off at 4.30pm. The procession will travel through the city to Museumplein, where the official WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 Closing Concert is due to begin at 5.30pm.
WorldPride organisers said the celebrations aim to demonstrate that Amsterdam is a city where everyone can be themselves, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or background.
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