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Image from Felix Meritis

Venues for social events

No matter the venue, your delegates in Amsterdam can benefit from the city’s broad offering for culture, entertainment and dining. But some spaces are a cut above the rest, with options for keeping visitors happy during and after your event – plus catering for the perfect dinner or reception. Find here some of Amsterdam’s premiere locations for social events.

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Few visitors to Amsterdam can resist visiting ARTIS, one of the oldest zoos in Europe. So why not host your event at its doorstep? Your social activities practically plan themselves here, surrounded by wildlife from exotic fish to penguins, leopards and butterflies. This also adds a special something to your event itself, which can take place across ARTIS's small rooms, the larger Grand Entrance Hall or the palatial Aquarium. And the adjoining café-restaurant de Plantage is perfect for both business lunches and elegant dinners. It’s a no brainer and a certified crowd pleaser: after all, who doesn’t like animals?

Largest room: 600 in theatre style

ARTIS | Plantage Kerklaan

Allard Pierson

Allard Pierson museum
Image from Peter Eijking

There’s something for everyone here at this historic, canal-side location – especially if you like archeology. This archeological museum for the University of Amsterdam hosts the richest collection of artefacts in the city, from ancient treasures to the famous Amsterdam Bleau atlases, theatre costumes, original prints and manuscripts. Guided or unguided tours of the museum provide the perfect companion activity – and can be combined with archaeologically-themed catering. But even if your delegates aren’t archeology enthusiasts, canal boat tours depart directly opposite, and the centre’s attractions await nearby.

Largest room: 100 in theatre style

Allard Pierson | Oude Turfmarkt 127–129

Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot

The Muiderslot is a medieval castle in the North Holland town of Muiden, built around 1285, restored to its former glory from 1370 and a national museum since 1878.
Image from Koen Dijkstra

But you don’t have to be in the city centre for unique historical surroundings. How about a castle? This mediaeval gem lies just 15 minutes’ drive from Amsterdam – or a longer, scenic ferry ride. Once there, your delegates can take advantage not only of its panoramic views and enchanting ambience but also many activity options. Visit the Waterschild Pavilion, host your event within the Bastion museum itself, or go al fresco with a barbecue or party in the outdoor theatre. And top it off with a luxurious dinner or buffet in the Castle Kitchen and the Bishop's Room.

Largest room: 100 in theatre style

Muiderslot | Herengracht

Capital C

Exterior of Capital C building.
Image from Capital C

Why separate work and play when your event space can be as vibrant as any social setting? Here at Capital C, every room is dressed to impress and designed for maximum dynamism and creativity: from hundreds of ticking timepieces in the Clock Tower to a city skyline view from the High Light. Visit the in-house art exhibition, which seems to almost carry through into the bar-restaurant, where art festoons the walls and tables. 

Largest room: 140 in theatre style

Capital C | Weesperplein 4B

De Meervaart

Meervaart meeting rooms and event spaces
Image from Marc Roodhart

Nature and culture surround you at De Meervart. This theatre and event location is located directly opposite the vast Sloterplas lake, offering numerous water sports and waterside dining, as well as scenic paths for walking or biking. However, within the space itself, your delegates can also enjoy cultural offerings chosen from around 300 theatre shows annually. Plus, besides many rooms and studios, the grand Red Hall can be repurposed as a dinner space. Why settle for less when you can have it all?

Largest room: 800 in theatre style or 100 in dinner style

De Meervart | Meer en Vaart 300

Eye Filmmuseum

Image from Koen Smilde

Stage a picture-perfect meeting at the Netherlands’ only museum for film and the art of the moving image. Directly across the IJ river from Central Station, this venue offers spectacular views of the waterfront and historic city centre, but is also just a five-minute ferry to everything central Amsterdam has to offer. At Eye itself, your delegates can peruse the extensive film archive in the permanent collection or sample the latest in visual culture in the temporary exhibition. Then, dine in with a view at Eye’s chic bar-restaurant.

Largest room: 500 in theatre style

Eye Filmmuseum | IJpromenade 1

Felix Meritis

Felix Meritis event spaces and meeting rooms
Image from Suat Uray

Historical progressiveness meets modern innovation here at the canal-side Felix Meritis. Founded in 1777 as a society of entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and philosophers, it now hosts a range of cultural, social and scientific events still focused on a better future. Why not pair your meeting with one such event? Or let delegates delve into the surrounding city centre. Plus, there’s an added social dimension in terms of where your money goes: all profits from commercial rent are reinvested into Felix’s cultural programme, designed to be accessible to the widest possible public.

Largest room: 300 in theatre style or 180 in dinner style

Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324

Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam

Hard Rock Café Amsterdam exterior
Image from Hard Rock Café Amsterdam

Enter the annals of rock history here at the well-known cultural cornerstone that is Hard Rock Cafe. Amsterdam’s iteration provides six uniquely themed rooms of rentable cafe space – where your event can be tailored to any size and easily combined with classic American dining. But even if rock history isn’t your thing, the location is ideal for social activity. You’re right there on the doorstep of the city’s entertainment and museum districts. The hardest part will be choosing from so many options to send your delegates to unwind and connect.

Largest room: 100 in reception style or 76 in dinner style

Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam | Max Euweplein 57–61

Heineken Experience

Heineken Experience Amsterdam
Image from Heineken Experience Amsterdam

Brew up the perfect meeting in this historic former beer plant. Since production was moved out of the city, this repurposed brewery now serves as a lively tourist attraction and event space. Besides exploring the legacy of this classic beer, your meeting can benefit from the wide range of spaces – including within the museum space itself or with a superb view of the city in the rooftop bar. Plus, it’s a perfect location here at the border between the city centre and the vibrant De Pijp neighbourhood.

Largest room: 174 in theatre style or 340 in reception style

Heineken Experience | Stadhouderskade 78

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Scheepvaartmuseum event space
Image from Ovation Holland

Immerse your delegates in nautical history at Het Scheepvaartmuseum. The National Maritime Museum is not only a hallowed 17th-century monument – once a warehouse for the royal navy – but also a vibrant and flexible space for events or dinners. Guests can arrive by boat, passing the replica East Indiaman ship, and explore the Museum’s colonial history. And private dining can take place in a number of storied spaces or the spectacular, glass-roofed courtyard. 

Largest room: 800 in theatre style or 700 in dinner style

Het Scheepvaartmuseum | Kattenburgerplein 1

Rode Hoed

Rode Hoed event spaces and meeting rooms
Image from Dennis Bouman

Once a clandestine church, Rode Hoed is hidden behind three 17th-century canal houses and continues to foster independent thinkers. Like Felix Meritis, under the same Amerpodia umbrella, it offers a wide programme of talks that your delegates can enjoy besides your meeting. And its in-house catering offers delicious “green” options. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a grand event, the Rode Hoed's versatile spaces, including its main hall and canal-side meeting rooms, will captivate your guests. Plus, your visitors can arrive by boat and explore the surrounding canal belt.

Largest room: 450 in theatre, dinner or reception style

Rode Hoed | Keizersgrach 102

Tobacco Theatre

Find cultural and culinary excellence at the Tobacco Theatre. Nestled on Nes, a central Amsterdam street dotted with well-known theatres, the Tobacco offers a range of stage programming to delight your guests out of hours – as well as in-house catering from a Michelin-starred chef. Plus, its various, flexible rooms also offer multi-functionality for any meeting – right in the beating heart of the city centre. So whether you take advantage of the theatre’s own offering or send delegates exploring, there’s plenty here to keep your meeting buzzing.

Largest room: 280 in theatre style or 230 in dinner style

Tobacco Theatre | Nes 75-87

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