De Meerpaal in Dronten
De Meerpaal is Dronten's cultural centre, with two theatre halls, a cinema and a Grand Café, free parking next door and Dronten station a 22-minute walk away.
Photo credits
The glass facade and entrance of De Meerpaal in Dronten, with the forecourt in front.: Mark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answers
- Theatre halls
- Two: Grote Zaal and Kleine Zaal
- Address
- De Rede 80 828251 EX Dronten
- Nearest station
- Dronten, 22 min walk
- Nearest bus stop
- Meerpaal, bus 147, 2 min walk
- Parking
- Free; Steenbergen next to the venue
- Cloakroom
- Free and unattended
- Wheelchair access
- All halls; balcony not by lift
- Evening shows
- Start 20:15 or 20:30, end 22:30 or 22:50
- Contact
- 0321 388 777
Holidays at De Meerpaal
Open on the holidays: these nights are in the agenda.
- ChristmasFlevo's Mannenkoor
De Meerpaal agenda: upcoming events
Tonight, this week and the months ahead at this venue in Dronten.
Last night at De Meerpaal: De Grote Sinterklaasfilm en de Vliegende Pieten, Wen er maar aan, Creedence Clearwater Revival by The Fortunate sons and 1 more
December 2026
January 2027
Plan your visit to De Meerpaal
How many people fit in De Meerpaal?
De Meerpaal does not publish seat counts for its theatre halls. The technical pages offer floor plans, and the Serviceplein can confirm the current layout for a production.
- Grote Zaal
- Larger hall, with balcony
- Kleine Zaal
- Smaller theatre room
- Binnenplein
- Flexible event space
- Seat counts
- Not published
The Grote Zaal is the larger of the two theatre halls and has a balcony; the Kleine Zaal is the smaller room. The Binnenplein is the flexible event space, not a fixed-seat auditorium. For a specific show, the seat map in the online ticket shop shows which seats are on sale.
For scale, Theater 't Voorhuys in Emmeloord seats 515, or 392 without the balcony. De Kubus in Lelystad seats 250, including 72 on the balcony. De Meerpaal's own halls are not listed with a comparable figure, so the table says not published rather than guessing.
| Venue | Type | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| De Meerpaal, Dronten | Cultural centre with two theatre halls | Not published |
| Theater 't Voorhuys, Emmeloord | Theatre | 515 (392 without balcony) |
| De Kubus, Lelystad | Theatre | 250 (178 plus 72 on the balcony) |
Where to sit in the Grote Zaal and Kleine Zaal
De Meerpaal sells fixed seats: you pick one in the online ticket shop or at the Serviceplein.
Best for less mobility
Rows 1 to 4, Grote Zaal
Balcony
Not reachable by lift
Wheelchair spaces
Book via the Serviceplein
Companion ticket
50% off with a valid pass
The Grote Zaal is the larger hall, with a balcony and the bigger productions. The Kleine Zaal is the intimate room for smaller theatre and cabaret. Both are used for seated shows, so your ticket has a seat number rather than a standing place.
If stairs or a longer walk are difficult, choose a seat in rows 1 to 4 of the Grote Zaal; that is the venue's own advice for visitors who are less mobile. The balcony is not reachable by lift, so book the stalls if you need step-free access.
Wheelchair spaces are limited and are booked through the Serviceplein on 0321 388 777, not through the online seat map. The same desk can book a companion ticket at 50% off with a valid companion pass.
Food and drink at De Meerpaal: Grand Café and interval drinks
The Grand Café and the Binnenplein are the places to eat and drink before, during or after a show.
The Grand Café serves coffee, drinks and something to eat around performances and films. The Binnenplein is the open indoor square next to it, so you can stay inside before the doors to the hall open.
At many theatre performances a drink is included. The venue lists it on the show page and in the service email sent a few days before. If there is an interval you get the drink then; if there is no interval you get it after the show.
Payment is by pin, cash, Mastercard or Visa, and the venue also accepts the Pas van Dronten, the Meerpaal Tegoedbon, the Podium Cadeaukaart and the Nationale Bioscoopbon. Tickets bought online carry no booking fee.
- Check the show page or service email for the included drink; not every performance has one.
- The Grand Café is the place for coffee before the show and a drink afterwards.
- The Binnenplein keeps the visit indoors between the entrance and the hall.
Wheelchair access, lifts and companion tickets at De Meerpaal
All halls and rooms are wheelchair accessible, with lifts and reserved wheelchair spaces. The balcony is the exception: it is not reachable by lift.
Wheelchair spaces are limited, so book through the Serviceplein on 0321 388 777 rather than through the online seat map. A companion with a valid companion pass gets 50% off a theatre ticket; that ticket is also booked through the Serviceplein or by email at [email protected].
All theatre halls have a hearing assistance system, and a receiver can be reserved free with your ticket. If you are less mobile but do not use a wheelchair, the venue recommends rows 1 to 4 of the Grote Zaal.
- Step-free access
- All halls and rooms, by lift
- Balcony
- Not reachable by lift
- Companion discount
- 50% with a valid pass
- Hearing system
- Free receiver, book with your ticket
Tickets, cloakroom and opening times at De Meerpaal
The building opens 30 minutes before the first activity, film or course. The Serviceplein keeps the hours below.
De Meerpaal is at De Rede 80, 8251 EX Dronten. The Serviceplein is open Monday to Wednesday 09:00-17:00, Thursday and Friday 09:00-20:30, and Saturday 10:00-17:00. It is closed on Sunday. The building itself opens 30 minutes before the first activity of the day.
Buy tickets at the Serviceplein or online; online you choose your own seat and get an e-ticket immediately, with no booking fee. Telephone reservations are possible on 0321 388 777, and tickets can be posted for 3.50 euro. Cancel up to 24 hours before the show for a 3.50 euro fee per transaction; the refund comes as a Meerpaal Tegoedbon. Exchanging a theatre ticket costs 2.50 euro per ticket, and changing a booking costs 3.50 euro.
Children from 1 year need their own ticket, and babies under 1 are not admitted to the theatre hall. The cloakroom is free and unattended. For films, the programme runs Thursday to Wednesday, and the 16-year age limit is enforced even with an adult.
- Address
- De Rede 80, 8251 EX Dronten
- Building opens
- 30 min before the first activity
- Serviceplein
- Mon-Wed 09:00-17:00, Thu-Fri 09:00-20:30, Sat 10:00-17:00
- Cloakroom
- Free and unattended
- Child ticket
- Needed from 1 year
- Film age limit
- 16 years, enforced with an adult
Getting to De Meerpaal by train, bus or on foot
Dronten station is 1,590 m from the venue, a 22-minute walk. Two bus routes cover the last stretch, and both stop within a two-minute walk.
From Dronten station, take bus 521 or 522 to Het Ruim (110 m, 2 min walk) or bus 147 to Meerpaal (100 m, 2 min walk). The 521 and 522 also stop at Het Tussendek, 260 m and 4 minutes from the door. If you prefer to walk, the whole route from the station is 22 minutes.
The venue is in the centre of Dronten, on De Rede. The nearest stop, Meerpaal, is on Barkasstraat. After a late show, check the last bus; if it has gone, the walk back to Dronten station is 22 minutes (1,590 m). Taxi Gijs in Dronten can be booked on +31621210242.
Parking at De Meerpaal: free, with Steenbergen next door
Parking is free throughout Dronten. The closest car park is Steenbergen on Barkasstraat, directly next to the venue.
Steenbergen is the obvious choice for a show: it is next to the building and free. If it is full, there are more free car parks in the centre within a short walk. Part of central Dronten is a blue zone, so display your parking disc where the signs ask for one.
The venue also advertises free parking directly in front of the door. Allow a few extra minutes on busy evenings, and do not leave your car in a blue zone without the disc.
| Car park | Address | Walk | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkeerterrein Steenbergen | Barkasstraat | 1 min | Free |
De Meerpaal's history: from Agora to a rebuilt cultural centre
De Meerpaal opened on 8 November 1967, when Queen Juliana opened the Agora under that name. Architect Frank van Klingeren designed it as a community centre with an indoor square, and it quickly became a talking point in the new town.
The building was changed in 1987, and by the end of the twentieth century it no longer met modern demands. Instead of full demolition, Dronten chose Atelier PRO's design, keeping the steel frame and the oval volume. The new Meerpaal officially opened on 8 October 2005 and is a municipal monument.
The venue calls itself an iconic building with a rich history. Its theatre tower is a landmark on the Dronten skyline, and the Binnenplein still works as the indoor square at the heart of the building.
- Opened
- 8 November 1967, by Queen Juliana
- Original architect
- Frank van Klingeren
- Rebuild
- Atelier PRO, reopened 8 October 2005
- Status
- Municipal monument in Dronten
Photos
Photo credits
The glass facade and entrance of De Meerpaal in Dronten, with the forecourt in front.: Mark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 3.0
The empty Grote Zaal at De Meerpaal, with red seats and a stage: De Meerpaal
The interior of De Meerpaal looking out through its glass wall, with the entrance in view.: Mark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 3.0
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De Meerpaal: questions people ask
What time do shows at De Meerpaal start and end?
Evening theatre and cabaret usually start at 20:15 or 20:30 and end between 22:30 and 22:50. Sunday matinees often start at 15:00 and end around 17:00. Times vary by show, so check the event page before you travel.
Where can I park at De Meerpaal?
Park free at Parkeerterrein Steenbergen on Barkasstraat, directly next to the venue, or in one of the other free car parks in central Dronten. Part of the centre is a blue zone, so display your parking disc where required.
How do I get to De Meerpaal from Dronten station?
The station is 1,590 m away, a 22-minute walk. Bus 521 or 522 stops at Het Ruim, 110 m and 2 minutes from the door; bus 147 stops at Meerpaal, 100 m and 2 minutes away.
Is De Meerpaal wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All halls and rooms are wheelchair accessible, with lifts and reserved wheelchair spaces. The balcony is not reachable by lift. Book a wheelchair space through the Serviceplein on 0321 388 777; the number is limited.
Can I bring a companion with a wheelchair ticket?
A companion with a valid companion pass gets 50% off a theatre ticket. Book the companion ticket through the Serviceplein on 0321 388 777 or by email at [email protected]; it is not available online.
Do children need a ticket, and can I bring a baby?
Every child from 1 year needs their own ticket. Babies under 1 are not admitted to the theatre hall. For films, the age limit on the film applies and is enforced.
Can I cancel or exchange a theatre ticket?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the show for a 3.50 euro fee per transaction; the amount comes back as a Meerpaal Tegoedbon. Exchanging a theatre ticket costs 2.50 euro per ticket, and changing a booking costs 3.50 euro.
Is there a cloakroom at De Meerpaal?
Yes. The cloakroom is free and unattended, so keep valuables with you rather than leaving them in a coat pocket.
What are the opening hours of the Serviceplein?
Monday to Wednesday 09:00-17:00, Thursday and Friday 09:00-20:30, Saturday 10:00-17:00. The Serviceplein is closed on Sunday. The building opens 30 minutes before the first activity.
Is food and drink available at De Meerpaal?
Yes. The Grand Café and the Binnenplein serve drinks and something to eat before, during or after a show. At many theatre performances a drink is included; the show page or service email says whether it is.
What payment methods does De Meerpaal accept?
You can pay by pin, cash, Mastercard or Visa, with the Pas van Dronten, the Meerpaal Tegoedbon, the Podium Cadeaukaart or the Nationale Bioscoopbon.
How many halls does De Meerpaal have?
There are two theatre halls, the Grote Zaal and the Kleine Zaal, plus the Binnenplein event space and a cinema. The Grote Zaal is the larger hall and has a balcony.
Can I buy tickets at the Serviceplein or online?
Both. Online you choose your own seat and get an e-ticket immediately, with no booking fee. The Serviceplein sells tickets in person, and telephone reservations are possible on 0321 388 777. Tickets can be posted for 3.50 euro.
What is the history of De Meerpaal?
Queen Juliana opened the original De Meerpaal on 8 November 1967. After a rebuild designed by Atelier PRO, the new building opened on 8 October 2005. It is a municipal monument.
Sources: De Meerpaal technical information (October 30, 2026) · Official De Meerpaal FAQ and contact page (October 30, 2026) · OpenStreetMap area data and FOSSGIS foot router (October 30, 2026) · Official De Meerpaal reachability page (October 30, 2026) · Official De Meerpaal food and drink page (October 30, 2026) · Official De Meerpaal contact page (October 30, 2026) · Wikipedia: De Meerpaal (Dronten) (October 30, 2026)
