Art and culture in Oud-West
Bursting with art collectives, exhibition and workshop spaces, an open-air theatre and some fantastic alternative music venues, Oud-West has long been an important contributor to Amsterdam’s cultural scene. Many spaces have their roots in the squatting movement of the late 1980s and are now home to all manner of subcultures and not-for-profit initiatives. Oud-West is also a real hotspot for film buffs with movie theatres and quirky cult cinemas hosting regular festivals, art-house film nights and documentary screenings.
Lab111
The programming of the quirky cult cinema, Lab111 is as unconventional as the setting. Located in a former pathological anatomical lab, you’ll find a range of special screenings, animated features, modern classics and in-depth documentaries on the agenda, alongside regular showings with English subtitles. The space also hosts contemporary art exhibitions, lectures, and concerts, while the media cafe, studios, and workshop rooms are great meeting grounds for the city’s creatives to discuss ideas or grab a bite to eat.
Het Documentaire Paviljoen
After much anticipation, IDFA (the world-renowned International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) opened its beautiful permanent location at Vondelpark in Spring 2024: Het Documentaire Paviljoen. Documentary lovers can discover a year-round programme ranging from creative films on the big screen to immersive works and installations, workshops and talks to school screenings.
Orgelpark
Housed in the heritage-listed Parkkerk close to Vondelpark, Orgelpark is an international concert hall that aims to give a new face to the church organ in contemporary music culture. During unique performances that unfold throughout the year, the organ takes centre stage but is integrated into new musical presentations by organists, composers, and other artists.
De Filmhallen
De Filmhallen is the largest independent cinema in the Netherlands, housed in another spectacularly repurposed building - this time a former tram depot. With its nine screens and varied programming, film enthusiasts will always find something new to watch, from the latest Hollywood releases to festival programming and quality world cinema. Don’t miss the Parisien Auditorium, outfitted with authentic art deco interiors taken from the old Filmmuseum in Vondelpark.
Bar Bario
A recent addition to buzzy Van Lennepbuurt, Bar Bario is helping bring some more queer and BIPOC flavour to the neighbourhood. Split over three floors, find yourself a nook on the mezzanine level or grab a seat at the bar for some of the area’s best cocktails. Home to pop-up events and exhibitions, this is the spot for a mojito, ambience and maybe a little experimental art.
Vondelpark Open Air Theatre
Since the 1970s, Vondelpark has been an epicentre for culture and social life in the city, with many theatre shows, gigs, and parties organised there. Every summer, the open-air theatre in the middle of the park loads up its programme with various children’s performances, comedy, dance, opera, classical and pop concerts. A lot goes on every Saturday and Sunday from May until early September, creating a great atmosphere with lots to enjoy for the whole family.
OCCII
Located at the end of the Overtoom, OCCII is an independent and not-for-profit music venue that, like several of Amsterdam’s cultural centres, credits its development to the squatting movement of the late 80s and 90s. The colourful Russian folk designs on the tall doors at the front of the building hint at its original purpose as a stable and tram depot. In the programming, you’ll find a range of alternative musical genres, including noise, hardcore, acoustic, rave, electronic and punk acts.
