​Mama Baranka Tour

​Think you know Amsterdam? Discover the stories hiding in plain sight.

​Amsterdam through art, living memory & different perspectives.

​Walk through Amsterdam with local artists and discover the stories behind its sculptures, monuments and public spaces.

​The Mama Baranka Tour is an intimate, artist-led cultural walk that brings together history, personal memories and meaningful conversations. From the Jordaan through Amsterdam's historic centre to the Vondelpark, you'll explore how art reflects the people, communities and events that shaped the city.

​Whether you're visiting Amsterdam for the first time or have lived here for years, this experience invites you to see familiar places through different eyes.

​Sunday 22 November 2026 | 15:00 - 17:30 | €88 per person

​What will you experience?

​This isn't a conventional sightseeing tour or a history lecture. Together with two local artists, you'll:

• ​Discover the stories behind public art. Explore sculptures and monuments you might otherwise walk straight past.

• ​Hear personal memories and historical perspectives. Connect Amsterdam's history with the experiences of people who witnessed and shaped it.

• ​Explore the city's diverse histories. Discover stories of identity, migration, resistance, solidarity and belonging.

• ​Join meaningful conversations. Ask questions, exchange perspectives and reflect on the relationship between art, public space and society.

• ​Encounter Mama Baranka statue. Learn about the sculpture, its artistic meaning and the story of Kerwin Lucas Duinmeijer.

​Some stories may be confronting, others surprising or inspiring. Together, they create space for curiosity, understanding and connection.

​No prior knowledge is needed. Everyone is welcome.

​Is this experience for you?

• ​You love art, culture and discovering stories behind familiar places.

• ​You enjoy meaningful conversations and seeing things from different perspectives.

• ​You want to experience Amsterdam beyond conventional sightseeing.

​Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, all you need is curiosity!

​The story behind Mama Baranka statue

​The walk concludes at the Mama Baranka sculpture in Amsterdam's Vondelpark.

​The sculpture was created by the late artist Nelson Carrilho following the racist murder of fifteen-year-old Kerwin Lucas Duinmeijer in 1983.

​Rather than depicting the violence itself, Carrilho chose to centre strength, dignity and resilience through the figure of Mama Baranka.

​The artwork invites reflection on remembrance, solidarity, the role of public art and the stories a city chooses to preserve.

​The tour connects this history with other artworks, personal memories and perspectives encountered along the way.

​See the Mama Baranka Tour

​Take a look inside an earlier edition of the Mama Baranka Tour, featuring the late artist and co-creator Nelson Carrilho, alongside participants sharing their experiences and reflections on Amsterdam's public art, history and hidden stories.

​Filmed by Job Hulsebosch during a special edition with Pakhuis de Zwijger. The artists and programme may differ between editions

​What previous guest say

​“I know Amsterdam well, but the Mama Baranka tour showed me a new side of the city.” - Margaret F.

​“The Mama Baranka Tour was an absolute hidden gem. If you want to experience a unique take on environmental storytelling through sculptures in the city of Amsterdam, give this a try.” - Michael J.

​“I joined the Mama Baranka Tour with a friend, a walking tour through Amsterdam filled with meaningful conversations. It's an enriching experience for anyone curious about history and different perspectives on life.” - Marjolijn V. Translated from Dutch

​Reviews from previous editions of the tour.

​Meet the artists & organisers behind Mama Baranka Tour

​Nelson Carrilho (in memoriam) - Sculptor & co-creator
Nelson Carrilho was a sculptor of Curaçaoan heritage whose work explored identity, memory, resistance and human dignity. He created the Mama Baranka sculpture in Vondelpark and helped shape the original walking experience, sharing the personal and artistic stories behind his work.

​His legacy remains at the heart of the tour.

​Robin van Erven Dorens - Filmmaker & co-creator
Robin van Erven Dorens is an Amsterdam-based filmmaker and storyteller whose work explores the relationship between history, public space and everyday life.

​Robin and Nelson were neighbours in Amsterdam's Jordaan and developed a close friendship through their shared interest in art, history and society. Robin also created the documentary Ik ben een Zwarte Beeldhouwer about Nelson's work.

​Together, they co-created the Mama Baranka Tour, bringing their complementary perspectives into a walking experience that connects public art, personal stories and Amsterdam's history through dialogue.

​Elvira Semmoh - Mama Baranka Foundation & co-creator
Elvira Semmoh is a storyteller, cultural connector and chair of the Mama Baranka Foundation. She helped develop the original vision for the tour and supports its cultural continuity.

​Virginia Scheele - GINI Travel & co-creator
Virginia is the founder of GINI Travel, which curates cultural journeys and experiences centred on heritage, remembrance and meaningful connections.

​GINI Travel organises the Mama Baranka Tour in collaboration with local artists and the Mama Baranka Foundation.

​Your guides for this edition

​Each edition is guided by two local artists who bring their own experiences and perspectives to the walk.

​Practical information

​Date: Sunday, 22 November 2026
Time: 15:00 - 17:30
Starting point: Jordaan, Amsterdam
Ending point: Mama Baranka sculpture, Vondelpark
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Walking distance: Approximately 5 km
Group size: Maximum 15 participants
Ticket: €88 per person
Language: English

​Your ticket includes the artist-led walking experience, historical and artistic storytelling and opportunities for questions and dialogue.

​The ticket price supports fair compensation for the artists and cultural professionals involved in creating and delivering the experience.

​Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

​Frequently asked questions

​Is this tour only about racism and discrimination?
No! The tour explores art, history, identity, migration, solidarity and different perspectives on life in Amsterdam.

​I already know Amsterdam. Is this tour for me?
Absolutely! Even locals discover new stories and perspectives on familiar places.

​Do I need prior knowledge of art or history?
Not at all! Just bring your curiosity and an open mind.

​Why two artists?
Each artist brings their own experiences and perspectives, creating a richer dialogue rather than one fixed narrative.

​Will the tour be uncomfortable?
Some stories may be confronting, but the experience is centred on curiosity, respectful conversation and understanding.

​How much walking is involved?
Approximately 5 km over 2.5 hours, with regular stops. Contact info@gini.travel for accessibility questions.

​What if it rains?
The tour runs in most weather conditions. In severe weather, we may adapt the route or reschedule.

​What if I can no longer attend?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 7 days before the tour. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the tour are non-refundable. Please contact info@gini.travel to request a cancellation.

​Private tours for groups and organisations

​Looking for a meaningful cultural experience for your team, school, organisation or private group?

​The Mama Baranka Tour is also available as a customised experience, with possibilities to adapt the format, language and thematic focus.

​Enquire about a private tour: info@gini.travel

​Ready to discover Amsterdam through different eyes?

​Join us for an intimate afternoon of art, history, personal stories and meaningful conversations.

​Sunday 22 November | 15:00 - 17:30 | €88 per person

​Limited to 15 participants.

​Reserve your place!