Over ons

Tolhuistuin is a cultural hub on the bank of the IJ river of Amsterdam North. It is 18,000 square metres of space for art and culture. On the site you will find an idyllic garden, indoor and outdoor stages for concerts and performances, a hip-hop school, a delicious restaurant, a special history, a Reading House and works of art. About 30 cultural organisations and creative makers have their workplace in the iconic buildings on the site.
Tolhuistuin is a collaboration between Stichting Tolhuistuin, THT Horeca B.V. and Stichting Paradiso.

We believe in the imaginative and transformative power of art and culture. Our cultural programming is about how we want to live together and what future we want together. Driven by curiosity and creativity. As Shell's former research centre, Tolhuistuin was the beating heart of the fossil industry for decades. A making place for inventors and techies. Now we are using the place as a driver for change towards a sustainable and just society. We invite everyone to contribute to it and participate.

From intimate theatre performances to large-scale festivals. From outdoor expos to high-profile talks. From approachable village house to steaming club night. From creating space for new talent to hip-hop dance school. From breeding ground for new ideas to recharging place for new energy.
Every year - together with our partners - we organise around a thousand large and small cultural activities that contribute to democracy, sustainability and equal opportunities. Of and for the city, and North in particular.

Tolhuistuin receives multi-year funding from the City of Amsterdam and Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie.

Want to know more about our programming? Check our agenda or read more about our projects.

Working together?

Tolhuistuin is the hub within a cultural and social ecosystem. We believe that culture is not only about watching and listening, but also about participating and co-determining. With our unique programme approach, we therefore work in co-creation with 100 programme partners every year to create a cultural programme for a wide audience: democratic, progressive, inclusive. From a neighbourhood initiative from Noord to a youth festival: everyone is invited to participate. For one partner, Tolhuistuin provides the venue. Others are asked to develop an idea, or are offered time and guidance to ensure that an idea can develop into a good cultural programme. This results in a surprising, flexible and varied programme that meets the needs of the city.

The basis of this network is the carefully curated roommate network in the Tolhuistuin incubator: 30 cultural and social organisations that have their workplace in the buildings on the site.
Paradiso is our regular programme partner for Parallel's concerts and club nights. Stichting Tolhuistuin works closely with THT Horeca B.V., which also takes care of executive production and rental.

Do you have an idea for the programme?

We are open to cooperation. Send us your idea at least 10 weeks in advance via this form or email programma@tolhuistuin.nl