Some of Amsterdam's best evenings happen in places that are part debate hall, part cinema and part concert stage. This section lists cultural centres across the city, from the big debate houses to former industrial sites and neighbourhood centres, including the buurthuis, the Dutch community centre run by and for local residents.
Our guide to Amsterdam's cultural centres sorts them by what they do best. For concerts, see the city's music venues and concert halls, and for plays and comedy, its theatres.
How to choose a cultural centre in Amsterdam
Decide what kind of evening you want. For debate and ideas, Pakhuis de Zwijger, De Balie, Felix Meritis and the Rode Hoed hold public talks through the week. For storytelling and music, Mezrab and OT301 are the places to start. For a day out, the former industrial sites, De Hallen in Oud-West and NDSM and De Ceuvel in Noord, combine culture with food and drink.
Many programmes are in Dutch, but a growing share is in English, so check the language on each event. Each listing links to the centre's own agenda.
Questions people ask
Where can I attend a debate or talk in Amsterdam?
Pakhuis de Zwijger on the Piet Heinkade, De Balie by Leidseplein, Felix Meritis and the Rode Hoed on the Keizersgracht, and SPUI25 on the Spui all host public debates and talks.
Are there cultural events in English in Amsterdam?
Yes. Mezrab is known for storytelling nights in English, and centres such as Pakhuis de Zwijger and De Balie regularly hold events in English.
What is a buurthuis?
A buurthuis is a Dutch community centre, usually run by and for residents of the neighbourhood. De Meevaart in the Indische Buurt and De Sering in Nieuw-West are examples.
What is NDSM?
NDSM is a former shipyard in Amsterdam Noord that became a large creative wharf with studios, events and festivals. It is reached by a free ferry from behind Centraal Station.
What is De Hallen?
De Hallen in Oud-West is a former tram depot turned into a cultural hub with a food hall, cinema and shops.