Amsterdam’s Churches Just Aren’t What They Used To Be- Transforming Unused Churches Into Entertainment Venues

Amsterdam’s Churches just aren’t what they used to be. The Netherlands is one of the most secular countries in Europe, with only 39% of the populations having any religious affiliation. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, but even so, only 26.3% of the Dutch are considered Catholic. This is down 40% from the 1970s, and the numbers keep declining.

It’s no surprise that with no congregation to fill them, many churches became obsolete. The Dutch, being very practical and not wanting to see some of these beautiful buildings go to waste, have converted them into other types of venues. As a result, these buildings have been rescued from complete destruction, and have experienced an upsurge in popularity. Today, these ex-churches are some of the most popular churches in Amsterdam.

Paradiso

Today the Paradiso is one of Amsterdam’s most famous night clubs and event venues, but it started out as a church. Converted from a church building that dates back to the 19th Century, the building was also used as the meeting hall for a liberal Dutch religious group before becoming a publicly-subsidized youth entertainment center in 1968.

Paradiso has always been up to date with youth culture, be it Punk and New Wave in the 1970s or raves and dance parties of the late 1980s and early 90s. Today, the club holds weekly club nights, as well as being the venue of choice for many international acts coming through Amsterdam.

The main hall contains features of the former church, including a balcony overlooking the dance floor and large stained glass windows above the stage.

The stained glass windows above the main stage at Paradiso.

Hotel Arena

This church converted orphanage converted home for the elderly was built in the 1800s. It’s latest manifestation is a hotel and event venue.

Today, Hotel Arena is a combination of hotel, restaurant, cafe, and club. It is the club that is located in the main hall of the former church, and still retains some of its original features including wall frescoes and arched balconies.

Bazar

Once a Dutch Reformed church, now a beautiful restaurant with decor and a fusion of foods from Arabic countries. The tile murals, Arabian lights and colorful tables make it a unique restaurant. It’s an interior you wouldn’t expect from the exterior: a church topped with a golden angel, located smack in the middle of Amsterdam’s longest street market, the Albert Cuypmarkt.

Oude Kerk

Unlike the previous three churches, the Oude Kerk (old church) is still technically a church. Amsterdam’s oldest church and built in the 13th Century on the site where an earlier wooden church once stood, this church has always been right in the middle of the Red Light District. It may seem odd today that such an old church is at the center of this neighborhood, but there was a strategic purpose to choosing this specific location.

Since Amsterdam was a major port city, many sailors would stop by for a night on the town. The Red Light District was walking distance from the old port (today’s Centraal Station), and the sailors could have a fun night of drinking at all the bars and visiting the prostitutes. However, when they returned out to sea there was a good chance they wouldn’t be coming home – in which case their souls would go straight to hell. Luckily for them, at this time the church still sold Indulgences (Catholic get out of jail free cards). As a result the women and bars of the Red Light district, as well as the church, earned a great deal of money off these visiting sailors.

Today, the church is rarely used for religious services and is mainly open to the public as a museum. It also houses the annual World Press photo exhibit.

Nieuwe Kerk

Also still technically a church, the Nieuwe Kerk (“new church”) is Amsterdam’s second oldest church – new only in relation to the Oude Kerk. It is the official church of the Royal Family, and still used for special services including coronations and royal weddings. For the majority of the time, the church acts a as a museum showcasing temporary art exhibitions.