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Discover Amsterdam
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Waalse Kerk (Wallonian Church)

De Waalse Kerk (Wallonian Church) has been a hidden gem since 1586 in the heart of Amsterdam. This beautiful place is nowadays mainly known as an atmospheric cultural stage. The intimate setting and the excellent acoustics of the church guarantee a magical atmosphere and ultimate music experience. The Waalse Kerk has now become an integral part of the Amsterdam music scene and beyond. In addition, church services in French have been held for 450 years, something that is cherished in the language institute of De Waalse Kerk: the Centre Français-Néerlandais.

Classical music

Classical music and De Waalse Kerk belong together. We are convinced that there is no more magical place to enjoy music. At almost all concerts, the audience takes place around the soloist or ensemble and the sublime acoustics do their job. Enjoy the tranquility of the church, in the middle of lively Amsterdam. From early music to contemporary. From up-and-coming national talent to international top artists.

In addition to our collaboration with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Early Music Festival Utrecht, we present the Bösendorfer Series every year; a series of piano recitals with nationally and internationally acclaimed pianists. In recent years, the series has become a must-visit if you are into piano music. Amsterdam choirs find each other in the Couleur Vocale series; a series of concerts by and for the best choirs in the capital.

View our full classical music agenda >

Pop music

De Waalse Kerk presents itself as an unexpected concert stage in the middle of Amsterdam. An oasis of peace where singer-songwriters, pop legends and up-and-coming talent come into their own. For a number of years we have been working together with, among others, GRAP and the Melkweg. In a special collaboration, we invite artists from home and abroad to let their own sound be heard between the impressive organ and the stained glass windows of the church. A unique, often spiritual experience.

View our full pop music agenda >

Language Institute Centre Français-Néerlandais

For 450 years, French-language services have been held in De Waalse Kerk, something that can be clearly seen when you walk through the church. The French language and culture are therefore part of our DNA. We want to cherish this unique quality and we do that in our language institute: the Centre Français-Néerlandais

In the atmospheric consistory next to the church, the Centre Français-Néerlandais offers a wide range of French language courses, as well as Dutch courses specially designed for the French and other French speakers. These courses are taught privately or in small groups by native teachers, who have a good command of both languages. As a result, they are perfectly familiar with the difficulties inherent in learning French from Dutch and Dutch from French.

In addition, ateliers (French for 'workshops') are organized all year round for lovers of the rich French culture, from reading clubs to wine tasting. In this way we strive to remain what we have been for centuries: a meeting place for the Dutch and French language and culture.

View our language courses >

Church services

De Waalse Kerk in Amsterdam dates from 1409. Originally the building was the chapel of the Paulusbroederklooster. After the Alteration of 1578, the church was handed over to the French-speaking Protestant refugees from the Southern Netherlands and has been a Protestant church ever since. The Waalse Kerk in Amsterdam is part of the Protestant Churches in the Netherlands (PKN) and works closely with the Waalse Kerk in Haarlem.

Every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. there is a church service in De Waalse Kerk in Amsterdam. The service is usually in French, but sometimes also bilingual (French/Dutch).

Read more about the church community >