Starting April 25, 2025, the Stadsarchief will open its doors for an exhibition telling the story of 125 years of Ajax. What began as a local soccer club in Watergraafsmeer grew into a global icon. Ajax is intertwined with the city: from the streets of Betondorp to the arena in Southeast, from the exploits of Johan Cruijff to the magic of the modern team.
The exhibition is rich in original shirts, photos from days gone by, personal fan stories and never-before-seen archival documents. Unique is the way in which the exhibition shows how Ajax moved with Amsterdam: as a club of and for the city. From resistance heroes to neighborhood projects - Ajax is more than soccer alone.
"125 years of Ajax is 125 years of Amsterdam. This exhibition shows how deeply embedded the club is in the city's DNA."
Using rare photographs, original archive documents, historic radio and TV clips and unique objects - such as the very first Ajax medal from 1924 - the rich story of the club unfolds. From Louis van Gaal looking back on his youth in Watergraafsmeer to Jari Litmanen reliving his first moments in Amsterdam. Isa Cardinal tells what it means to wear the red and white shirt, while Mister Ajax - Sjaak Swart - takes you back to the golden years between 1965 and 1975.
But Ajax is more than teams and honor lists. It is the supporters who give the club a soul. In this exhibition, their stories are also given a stage - personal, moving and unforgettable.
Whether you've been coloring the stands for years or are simply curious about a piece of Amsterdam history, this expo is touching. Stroll past iconic images, plop down in the supporters' cafe or listen in with the special audio tour for young fans. Ajax is for everyone - and this exhibition proves it.
Especially for this anniversary year, there is also an extensive fringe program with talk shows, tours and activities for young and old. Visitors are also invited to share their own Ajax memories. In this way, the collective memory of the city will be supplemented with personal stories of love, pride and passion for red and white.