Building a Utopian Sanctuary: The Launch of Queertropolis 2026

How a visionary alternative civic platform transformed Treehouse NDSM into a living ecosystem of queer art, collective governance, and radical care during WorldPride Amsterdam 2026, brought to life through the fundamental support of the Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst (AFK) and in collaboration with the Pride Art Route.

NEWS...

5/20/2026

Poster for the Queerropolis group exhibition at Treehouse NDSM in Amsterdam, featuring a pride flag globe design.
Poster for the Queerropolis group exhibition at Treehouse NDSM in Amsterdam, featuring a pride flag globe design.

A Temporary Sanctuary for Universal Coexistence

This summer, as Amsterdam prepares to host WorldPride 2026, a bold new vision is taking root at Treehouse NDSM. Queertropolis is born not merely as an art exhibition, but as an evolving, alternative civic space—a temporary sanctuary built on the principles of radical inclusion, care, and universal coexistence.

Conceived and curatively directed by Gabriele Bonomi, Queertropolis is designed to challenge the traditional concept of the passive museum spectator. Instead, it will transform every visitor into an active citizen of a shared utopian city-in-the-leaves. The initiative sets out to demonstrate that the tools developed by the queer community for survival, mutual support, and emotional regeneration can become a universal model for global harmony.

"Queertropolis is not just a space to explore, but a human and artistic habitat to be inhabited and governed together."

Institutional Support & Key Partnerships

Bringing an ambitious ecosystem like Queertropolis to life requires a strong network of visionary partners who believe in the transformative power of queer art and community building.

We are deeply proud and honored to announce that Queertropolis 2026 is presented in official partnership with:

  • AFK (Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst): Funded under the Category 2 framework, AFK’s support is fundamental in enabling us to build a large-scale, accessible, and multi-disciplinary platform during WorldPride.

  • Treehouse NDSM: Our home and vibrant cultural incubator in Amsterdam Noord, providing the pavilion, outdoor grounds, and East Window display space.

  • Pride Art Route: Integrating Queertropolis into the broader official artistic tapestry of WorldPride Amsterdam 2026.

  • Men As Well Collective & Community Partners: Collaborating on participatory research, traumatic healing through art, and community outreach alongside TransAmsterdam and Hello Gorgeous.

What Lies Ahead

This partnership marks the beginning of an extraordinary immersive journey combining a 24/7 global digital window exhibition starting July 1st, a physical sanctuary opening July 24th featuring over 30 artworks, interactive civic installations, and a vibrant public program of workshops and shared meals.

Follow our blog over the coming weeks as we reveal the international lineup, the digital showcase, and the full schedule of activities for Queertropolis 2026!