OCCII

2026年8月17日

TOC

OCCII: A Hub for Alternative and Independent Music in Amsterdam

The OCCII, short for Onafhankelijk Cultureel Centrum In It, is a renowned venue for alternative and independent music located at Amstelveenseweg 134 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This venue is deeply rooted in the squatting movement of the 1980s, with the original building being squatted in 1984 and subsequently legalized in 1989. The OCCII is primarily operated by volunteers, reflecting its community-driven ethos.

The building that houses OCCII was originally constructed as a horse tram garage with stables between 1883 and 1884. It was designed by architect Abraham Salm, who, along with his father G. B. Salm, also designed the structures that now accommodate the popular venues Melkweg and Paradiso. This historical architecture adds a unique character to the venue, blending its rich past with its vibrant present.

OCCII is part of the Binnenpret complex, which includes a variety of facilities such as a café named Kasbah, a restaurant called MKZ, a library known as Bollox, a children’s theatre named Kinderpret, a bike workshop called Farafina, rehearsal studios, and a large courtyard. Although the sauna, Fenomeen, was closed in 2011 due to a management dispute, the complex remains a bustling hub of cultural activity.

Unlike many venues, OCCII does not have a centralized programming system. Instead, it features several programming groups that curate its events. These groups include Le Club Suburbia, which focuses on indie and post-punk; Hex, which specializes in new wave and gothic; Muziek Kapot Moet, which explores experimental music, electronic, noise, and weird pop; Spellbound, which is dedicated to electronic and dance music; The Real Amsterdam Underground, which promotes punk, hardcore, and crust; and Cool Schmool, which highlights dance, indie, and riot grrrl, often featuring female-fronted acts.

In 2011, OCCII was recognized as one of the ten best gig venues in Amsterdam, a testament to its significance in the city’s music scene. Its commitment to alternative and independent music, combined with its historical and cultural significance, makes OCCII a vital part of Amsterdam’s vibrant cultural landscape.