For lovers of mid-century furniture and wooden art from the 1930s to the 1970s, a must-visit shop is WonderWood, located near Dam Square, Munt & Stopera in Amsterdam. WonderWood boasts a deep and varied collection of over 100 vintage plywood chairs, as well as a variety of antique wooden collectibles. This unique establishment is not only a shop but also a gallery specialising in vintage plywood items from all over the world. Prices range from as little as €1 for a simple but beautifully crafted wooden pencil to high end prices for museum quality pieces.

WonderWood's charm lies in its eclectic mix of vintage plywood furniture, some re-editions, art and fun gadgets. This combination, coupled with the store's easy accessibility, creates a special atmosphere that appeals to collectors and design enthusiasts alike. The outstanding quality and variety of the furniture on display, together with the warm welcome given to visitors by WonderWood's founder, Wiet Hekking, adds to the overall experience. When he's not too busy in his office at the back of the shop, Wiet is often happy to share amazing stories about vintage design and plywood.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, WonderWood offers a fascinating insight into the world of wood in design, furniture, art and gadgets. Every piece of furniture or art object in the store has a unique story behind it. Both in-store and online, WonderWood offers rich narratives about the designs, emphasising that these items are not just chairs or tables, but integral parts of design history. This passion for the historical context of each piece is something Wiet Hekking loves to share with visitors, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the evolution of design.

A notable feature of WonderWood is its ceiling, which dates back to 1565 and is a weekly attraction for tourists. The 450-year-old ceiling is in excellent condition and adds a historic dimension to the shop's ambience. The shop's collection includes rare vintage chairs and tables from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. In addition to these rare originals, WonderWood also sells re-editions of well-known design furniture, known as Plywood Classics. These include iconic pieces by designers such as Norwegian Hans Brattrud, Frenchman Jean Prouvé, American couple Charles and Ray Eames and Alvar Aalto.

WonderWood also features new designs by contemporary Dutch designers such as Richard Hutten, Aldo Bakker and Jeroen Wand. This mix of historic and contemporary design creates a dynamic and inviting space for visitors. The gallery shop also proudly presents works by renowned and emerging artists such as Jeroen Henneman, Klaas Gubbels, Willem van Malsen, Wietze Jellema and Ton van Kints. This eclectic mix, complemented by fun gadgets, defines the unique character of WonderWood. It is an accessible, high quality, internationally minded gallery shop where everyone can find something to buy or simply visit to be inspired.

Wiet Hekking's journey to create WonderWood began with his 30-year career in the fashion industry, working for various international brands. His constant search for new trends and innovative materials during business trips around the world cultivated his passion for creativity, art and design. Over time, he became particularly fascinated by the 3D plywood technique invented in the 1950s, leading him to become an expert in vintage plywood design. His collection of rare, iconic vintage plywood chairs grew rapidly and eventually led him to open WonderWood in the heart of Amsterdam.

Today, WonderWood is recognised as one of the leading design gallery stores in the Netherlands, attracting collectors, art and design lovers and museums from all over the world. With over 25 years of history, WonderWood continues to be a beacon for those passionate about plywood, design, art and fun. Through its website and physical store, WonderWood invites visitors to explore the wonder world of wood and perhaps become passionate collectors themselves.