Bar
Paradiso
A concert venue in a 19th-century former church near Leidseplein, open since 1968 and known as Amsterdam's pop temple.
Melkweg
A music and culture venue in a former milk factory beside Leidseplein, open since 1970 with several concert halls, a cinema and an expo space.
At a glance
- Type
- Live music and arts venue
- Area
- Leidseplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- melkweg.nl
Good to know
- Several halls
- Club nights
- Cinema
- Exhibitions
- Lockers
- Accessible
Why we recommend it
The Melkweg, or Milky Way, takes its name from the building's past. It began as a 19th-century sugar refinery, was bought in 1920 by a dairy cooperative and used as a milk factory until 1969, and after a year standing empty it reopened as a cultural centre, holding its first event on 17 July 1970. Since then it has grown into one of the city's main venues for live music and culture.
Today the Melkweg has several halls under one roof. The Max, opened in 1995 and renovated in 2007, is the largest, with room for about 1,500 people. The Oude Zaal, or Old Hall, holds around 700 and is the venue's oldest concert space. The Rabozaal, in a separate building, holds about 1,400 and is used mainly for theatre and film, while a smaller theatre hall and a cinema host more intimate events, and an expo space shows art exhibitions. The programme covers pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic music, world music, club nights, film and festivals.
The venue suits a wide range of visitors. Concerts and films are generally for ages six and up, with under-15s advised to come with someone aged 18 or older, while club nights are usually 18-plus. Visitors aged 18 to 25 can collect a wristband at the service desk with valid ID to buy alcohol.
Tickets are sold through the event pages on the Melkweg website, through Ticketmaster and at the box office, which opens daily from noon. Tickets are mobile-only, and screenshots are not accepted, so use the barcode in your account. Most events require a membership, which is included in the ticket price for a month, and a year membership is also available. Lockers can be rented online via a QR code at the entrance or at the service desk. The venue is accessible to visitors with disabilities, and the team can be contacted by email with access questions.
The Melkweg is on the Lijnbaansgracht, about a minute's walk from Leidseplein, where trams stop. Driving is not recommended; there is a large bike rack by the entrance and a guarded bike park nearby. Paradiso is a few minutes away, and Leidseplein's bars and restaurants make it easy to eat before a show.
Melkweg FAQs
Why is it called the Melkweg?
The building was a milk factory until 1969; Melkweg means Milky Way.
When did it open as a venue?
Its first event was on 17 July 1970.
How big are the halls?
The Max holds about 1,500 and the Old Hall about 700.
What age do you need to be?
Concerts are generally 6+, and club nights usually 18+.
Are paper tickets accepted?
Tickets are mobile-only, and screenshots are not accepted.
Do you need a membership?
Most events require one, and a monthly membership is included in the ticket.
Is it accessible?
Yes, the venue is accessible, with details on its accessibility page.
How do you get there?
Trams stop at Leidseplein, about a minute's walk away.