The AHK was founded on 17 March 1987, following a merger between the Academy of Fine Art in Education, the Academy of Architecture, the Netherlands Film and Television Academy and the Reinwardt Academy. A year later the Theatre School and the Hilversum Conservatory joined. In 1994, the Hilversum Conservatory merged with the Sweelinck Conservatory and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam was established.
The AHK celebrates its 25th birthday throughout the year. In the summer, after the final exams, a 'zap Sunday' will be organized: a route for art lovers around the various locations of the AHK with graduation performances by this year's graduates. In addition, a special AHK prize will be awarded to the most outstanding graduation of the year.
For the occasion of the anniversary a special website has been set up. This site includes special footage of 25 years Amsterdam School of the Arts, and video messages from prominent members of the AHK community.