Paradiso
Weteringschans 6-8
Amsterdam (Centrum)
tram 1 2 5 7 12 19 Leidseplein
local_parking Q-Park Byzantium
official website
www.paradiso.nl
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Paradiso is housed in a converted former church building that dates from the 19th century.
Paradiso
Weteringschans 6-8
Amsterdam (Centrum)
tram 1 2 5 7 12 19 Leidseplein
local_parking Q-Park Byzantium
official website
www.paradiso.nl
|
|
Music stage Paradiso, established in a former church, is the most famous rock venue in Holland with international fame.
Paradiso is housed in a converted former church building that dates from the 19th century and was used until 1965 by the "Vrije Gemeente" (Free Congregation).
Paradiso was squatted by hippies in 1967 who wanted to convert the church to an entertainment and leisure club. The police ended the festivities the same year.
In 1968 the city opened Paradiso as a youth entertainment centre. Along with the nearby Melkweg (Milky Way), it soon became a place that attracted youngsters, audiences and artists from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world.
It is now the most famous rock venue of the Netherlands.
The main hall has a capacity of 1500 and hosts world famous rock, folk, soul, country, reggae and blues bands.
Paradiso is known for popular newcomers and up and coming talent, but also many famous bands and artists have played at the Paradiso including Pink Floyd, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Madonna, Adele, Joe Jackson, The Sex Pistols, Nirvana, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Herman Brood, The Police, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Pearl Jam, Metallica and Golden Earring.
The small hall with a capacity of 250, is host to intimate and often magical concerts.
Throughout the year, the big stream of concerts and other events is changed up with festivals, such as the Britpop oriented London Calling festival.
To visit one of the concerts, you need to be a member. A monthly membership can be bought at the door or online for €4 .
From the beginning in 1968 audiences were dancing to live music at Paradiso.
In 1982 DJ Eddy De Clercq started here the club scene in the Netherlands with the Pep Club, a legendary club night led to the rise of house music and culture in the late 80s and lots of other dance parties in Paradiso.
Recurring events like Techno Tribe, Stille Disco, Superball and KLEAR are organised regularly as all of the night programs by Paradiso.
The main concert hall in the former church interior has high ceilings and 2 balcony rings overlooking the stage area, with 3 large illuminated church windows above the stage.
Paradiso is located on de Weteringschans, near Leidseplein, one of Amsterdam's main nightlife districts. It is close to other cultural attractions like multifunctional cultural centre and concert hall Melkweg, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (Stadsschouwburg) and centre for contemporary arts, politics and culture De Balie.
