Paradiso (Amsterdam)

2026年9月4日

Paradiso: Amsterdam’s Iconic Music Venue

Paradiso is a renowned music venue and cultural center located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Originally built in 1880 as a religious building for the Vrije Gemeente (Free Congregation), it was transformed into a youth entertainment venue in 1968. Until the 1990s, Paradiso was the largest concert club in Amsterdam and is often referred to as a “Pop Temple” due to its church-like interior features, including large stained glass windows behind the stage.

The main hall of Paradiso can accommodate 1,500 visitors, while an upper floor houses a smaller hall with a capacity of 250 people. Performances are also regularly held in the basement café. Since around 2014, the Paradiso organization has expanded its reach by organizing events at several smaller venues around the city, including the Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam-Noord, which was temporarily known as Paradiso Noord.

Paradiso has hosted a plethora of famous acts, including Adele, David Bowie, U2, Eminem, Kanye West, Nirvana, Duran Duran, Pink Floyd, Lady Gaga, Prince, Los Lobos, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, and Black Sabbath, making it a significant landmark in the live music scene.

The building that houses Paradiso was constructed from May 24, 1879, to May 2, 1880. In 1965, the Vrije Gemeente moved to a new location, and the building was briefly used as a carpet store. In October 1967, it was squatted by a group of hippie music fans who aimed to convert it into a cultural venue. After negotiations with city officials, it officially opened as the Cosmisch Ontspanningscentrum Paradiso on March 30, 1968.

The 1970s were a turbulent period for both Amsterdam and Paradiso, characterized by a gritty atmosphere. However, the venue experienced a “golden age” with the rise of punk rock. The Sex Pistols were the first punk rock band to play at Paradiso in January 1977. In 1980, Paradiso was added to the Rijksmonumentenregister, ensuring its preservation as a national monument.

In the early 2000s, Paradiso underwent renovations that included the addition of a second balcony, increasing its capacity to 1,500. This was partly inspired by the Rolling Stones’ 1995 concerts at the venue, which required additional space for recording equipment. In 2014, Paradiso expanded by opening a concert hall in Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam-Noord. The organization continues to sponsor events in various smaller venues across the city.

In 2022, Paradiso acquired a plot of land adjacent to the venue with plans for a €30 million extension, including exhibition space and new facilities for artists. In 2023, Paradiso reported a record attendance of 727,000, highlighting its enduring appeal and significance in the music world.