Destination Holland: Art and Culture in 2010

There's much more to Holland than clogs and tulips. For lovers of culture and art, here is the calendar of major events going on in 2010.

Now through May 16 catch the newest exhibit by Maarten Baas at the Zuiderzee Museum Enkhuizen. Baas, who was named Designer of the Year 2009 by Design Miami, is showcasing his interpretation of time with his project Real Time.

From January 27 through February 7 Rotterdam is hosting its 39th International Film Festival, offering worldwide independent films and visual arts.

The Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW)  begins January 27. AIFW is steadily establishing itself as a young and directional alternative to the more traditional fashion weeks held around the world.

Kandinsky and Der Blaue Reiter are coming to the Gemeentemuseum between February 6 and March 24. This is the first major retrospective on painting from the first half of the 20th century to be held in Holland.

From February 13 through May 16, Alexander Van Slobbe will be showcased at the Gemeentemuseum. The exhibit will include items from his personal archives, including patterns, fabric samples, film footage and photos.

Want more? The Gemeentemuseum will be hosting another fashion exhibit between February 20 and June 6. Voici Paris: Haute Couture, explores the worlds of Dior, Chanel, Christian Lacrois and Jean Paul Gaultier.

For a glimpse at select works by Matisse, Braque, Picasso and more, head to The Hermitage Amsterdam between March 6 and September 17. These select works are on loan from The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

From March 12 through 21, over 220 antiques dealers from 15 countries will gather in Maastricht for the European Fine Art Fair, showcasing the world's most renowned art and antiques.

Alright tulips are pretty important in Holland - and they are definitely a sight to see. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse is the place to go to take in over seven million tulips and other blossoming flowers, over a span of 80 acres. The 2010 theme is "From Russia with Love." Tulips are on display from March 18 through May 16.

Celebrate the Queen's Birthday on April 30. Queen Beatrix's birthday is celebrated annually throughout the country. In Amsterdam check out the world's largest flea market, musical performances and other cultural events.

Another Dutch icon: the windmill. May 8 is National Windmill Day. Over 600 windmills, water mills and pumping stations are open to the public as millers give demonstrations on their activities in and around the mill.

Vermeer's early days will be on display at The Royal Picture Gallery in the Maritshuis museum. Three paintings of Vermeer's early work will be showcased, including "Diana and her Nymphs," "Christ in the House of Martha and Mary," and "The Procuress."  "View of Delft," and "Girl with a Pearl Earring," will also be on display as examples of Vermeer's later work.

Holland Festival, Holland's largest performing arts festival, will be held from June 1 through 27 in Amsterdam. In its 63rd year, the festival celebrates the end of the cultural season with music, theater, dance, film and opera.

From June 18 through 20, check out Open Garden Days in Amsterdam. Planned by the Amsterdam Canal Museums, around 30 canal gardens will be open to the public. Each year the Open Garden Days are organized around a theme. This year's theme will be "Courts and Community Gardens."

Heading into summer Amsterdam will host a festival of contemporary dance from July 1 through 14. The best up-and-coming international choreographers will exemplify how dance, theater, music and other disciplines can be merged.

Rotterdam will host the 35th North Sea Jazz Festival, a two-day event from July 19 through 11. It will feature jazz musicians as well as blues, soul, R&B, crossover and other world-music artists.

Celebrate Gay Pride in Amsterdam on August 6 through 8. This event was established in 1995 and is highlighted by the Gay Pride Parade on August 7, which takes place on the city's canals.

Throw back a few of one of the national beverages, Heineken, at the Heineken Fast Forward Dance Parade on August 7 in Rotterdam. 40 trucks, equipped with sound systems and DJs will travel through the streets. The event typically draws over 350,000 spectators and turns into one heck of a party.

Fall brings Kees Van Dongen to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The exhibition offers an overview of his career and focuses on the period from 1907 through 1914.

Explore museums after hours on November 6, Amsterdam's Museum Night. More than 40 museums and institutions will remain open from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m., each holding special events.

For a full list of events visit www.holland.com