Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam
Tolhuistuin is Amsterdam-Noord's cultural free place on the IJ, with Club concerts for up to 550 people, a free garden and a 200-seat restaurant four minutes from the ferry.
Photo credits
Annahstasia performing on stage in Tolhuistuin Club, Amsterdam, in May 2026.: Hay Kranen · CC BY 4.0 · Cropped from 4:3 to 3:2 for the hero.
Quick answers
- Address
- IJpromenade 2, 1031 KT Amsterdam-Noord
- Address
- IJpromenade 21031 KT Amsterdam
- From Amsterdam Centraal
- Free ferry F3 to Buiksloterweg · 3 min crossing, 4 min walk
- Largest room
- Club · 550 standing for a concert
- Restaurant
- THT · 200+ seats, daily 11:00–00:00
- Garden
- Free · open sunrise to sunset
- Tickets
- E-ticket on your phone · PIN only
- Nearest parking
- A'DAM Tower garage · about 150 m to the Pavilion
- Contact
- +31 20 760 4820
Holidays at Tolhuistuin
Open on the holidays: these nights are in the agenda.
- New Year's EveCOUNTER GAZE METROSCOPE EXPO
- New Year's EveHet Goede Voornemen
Tolhuistuin agenda: upcoming events
Tonight, this week and the months ahead at this venue in Amsterdam.
Last night at Tolhuistuin: It's the End of AI (As We Know It), Noha Saré
December 2026
Plan your visit to Tolhuistuin
How many people fit in Tolhuistuin?
The Club holds 550 people standing for a concert; the IJzaal holds 150 standing at a reception and the Waterstudio 75 seated.
- Club, standing concert
- 550
- Club, standing reception
- 400
- Club, theatre
- 220
- Club, dinner
- 150
- IJzaal, standing reception
- 150
- IJzaal, theatre
- 85
- Waterstudio, theatre
- 75
The Club is the room built for concerts and club nights. Its standing concert capacity is 550, or 400 at a standing reception; in theatre layout it seats 220 and at dinner 150. The room is 264 m², with a balcony, a long bar and lockers.
The IJzaal next to the restaurant holds 150 people standing at a reception, or 85 in an alternative theatre layout; the café setting has up to 50 loose chairs. The Waterstudio seats up to 75 theatre-style. Tolhuistuin does not publish one capacity for the whole building: the rooms are let separately and the Garden adds outdoor space.
Compared with other Amsterdam music venues, the Club is the same size as Sugarfactory (550) and about a third of the Melkweg's 1,500 capacity; Carré seats 1,752. That makes it a mid-size room where a full Club feels busy but still close to the stage.
| Venue or room | Type | Maximum capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Tolhuistuin, Club | Concert and club room | 550 standing; 220 theatre; 150 dinner |
| Tolhuistuin, IJzaal | Hall and reception room | 150 standing; 85 theatre |
| Sugarfactory, Amsterdam | Club and concert venue | 550 |
| Melkweg, Amsterdam | Music venue | 1,500 |
| Koninklijk Theater Carré, Amsterdam | Theatre | 1,752 seats |
Standing or seated at Tolhuistuin?
Most Club concerts are standing; when a show is seated, the room uses a 220-seat theatre layout, and seats cannot be reserved in advance.
Club, theatre layout
220 seats
IJzaal, theatre layout
85 seats
IJzaal, café layout
Up to 50 loose chairs
Reserving a seat
Not possible in advance
In the Club, the balcony and the 220-seat theatre layout are used for seated programmes; the IJzaal can be set up with 85 theatre seats or the café layout with up to 50 loose chairs.
There is no seat reservation: ask at the box office or a programme steward when you arrive, and come when the doors open if you need a chair. The venue advises visitors who cannot stand for long to do this.
- Doors opened 30 to 90 minutes before the start on the event pages read: 19:00 for a 19:30 show, or 19:00–19:30 for a 20:30 show. Check your event page for the exact time.
Eating at Tolhuistuin: THT café-restaurant
THT in the Pavilion serves shared vegetarian small plates every day from 11:00 to 00:00; lunch is 12:00–16:00 and dinner starts at 17:30.
The restaurant has more than 200 seats and two large terraces. The menu is made for sharing and is fully vegetarian as standard, with seasonal and local produce, so dishes can change. A group menu is recommended from 12 people and required from 15; groups of 10 or more book by email.
Lunch is served daily 12:00–16:00. Dinner runs 17:30–21:00 on Sunday and Monday and 17:30–22:00 from Tuesday to Saturday. The restaurant takes electronic payments only, no cash. At weekends the Garden bar is also open during opening hours.
- Open daily
- 11:00–00:00
- Lunch
- 12:00–16:00
- Dinner, Sunday and Monday
- 17:30–21:00
- Dinner, Tuesday to Saturday
- 17:30–22:00
- Seats
- 200+ inside, plus two terraces
- Payment
- Card only, no cash
- Book groups of 10 or more at [email protected].
- For a serious allergy, email the exact allergy to [email protected] so the chef can discuss it.
- The standard menu is vegetarian; dishes are seasonal and can change.
Accessibility at Tolhuistuin
The Pavilion, its halls and restaurant are wheelchair accessible via entrance A, with a lift and an accessible toilet; the IJzaal and restaurant are partly accessible because of a fixed raised area.
Enter at entrance A on IJpromenade 2. The lift is at the end of the ground-floor corridor, before the stairs on your left. It fits a mobility scooter up to 90 by 145 cm; larger scooters do not fit. Tell the venue about wheelchair use when you book the restaurant so it can prepare.
The Garden is accessible and the Garden House (Tuinhuis) has a ramp and an accessible toilet. At the ticket check and in the restaurant, staff can help with extra assistance. If you need a seat, ask at the box office or a steward; seats cannot be reserved in advance.
- Step-free entrance
- Entrance A, IJpromenade 2
- Lift
- Fits a scooter up to 90 × 145 cm
- Accessible toilet
- In the Pavilion and the Tuinhuis
- IJzaal and restaurant
- Partly accessible, fixed raised area
- Ask for a barrier code at [email protected] to be dropped off near the Pavilion.
- The Garden is accessible and the Tuinhuis has a ramp.
House rules at Tolhuistuin
Tolhuistuin is PIN only at all programmes, and security may search visitors and bags at the entrance.
- Pay by card everywhere; cash is not accepted.
- Security may search visitors and bags for safety.
- No smoking indoors. No weapons or hard drugs; the police are called if they are found.
- No outside food or drink inside. In the Garden you may bring your own when the bar is closed, but no own alcohol.
- Dogs are welcome in the Garden on a lead; clean up after them. No cycling or bike parking in the Garden.
- Alcohol is 18+; bring ID when a minimum age applies.
- Hearing protection is your own responsibility; earplugs are sold at the venue.
- No professional photo or video without permission.
- Follow staff instructions; the venue may refuse entry or remove a visitor without a refund.
Getting to Tolhuistuin from Amsterdam Centraal
Take the free ferry from the north side of Amsterdam Centraal to Buiksloterweg: the ferry runs day and night, the crossing takes about three minutes, and the Pavilion is a four-minute walk from the landing.
From the station, follow the signs to the IJ side and the Buiksloterweg ferry (F3). From the landing, walk along the IJpromenade to number 2. The ferry is free and runs 24 hours a day.
Bus 38 from Amsterdam-Noord stops directly next to the venue. The main entrance is entrance A at IJpromenade 2; the Garden and Garden House have their own address at Tolhuisweg 3, so check your ticket if your event is outside.
Cycling to the venue is possible, but cycling and bike parking are not allowed inside the Garden.
Parking at Tolhuistuin: the A'DAM garage and Oosterdok
There is no car park at Tolhuistuin; the closest garage is under the A'DAM Tower, about 150 m from the Pavilion, and Parking Centrum Oosterdok is the cheaper evening option across the IJ.
A'DAM Parking is open 24 hours a day at Overhoeksplein 1, with its entrance on the Bercylaan. The regular rate is €5.40 per hour with a maximum of €55 per day. From Friday 18:00 to Sunday 23:59 you pay €2.70 per hour, but only for hours booked in advance. The garage has nine charging points and a lift, and is wheelchair-friendly.
Parking Centrum Oosterdok at Oosterdoksstraat 150 has 1,369 spaces. Its evening ticket costs €10 for 18:00–23:59 when booked ahead, and a day ticket starts at €25. From there, walk to Amsterdam Centraal and take the free ferry to Buiksloterweg.
For a drop-off close to the Pavilion, ask Tolhuistuin for a barrier code at [email protected].
| Garage | Address | Walk | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| A'DAM Parking (A'DAM Tower) | Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS; entrance Bercylaan | 150 m to the Pavilion | €5.40/hour; max €55/day; €2.70/hour Fri 18:00–Sun 23:59 if pre-booked |
| Parking Centrum Oosterdok | Oosterdoksstraat 150 | 1,540 m, 22 min walk; or ferry from Centraal | €10 evening 18:00–23:59 if pre-booked; day ticket from €25 |
Contact and addresses
Tolhuistuin is at IJpromenade 2, 1031 KT Amsterdam; general questions go to [email protected].
- Visiting address
- IJpromenade 2, 1031 KT Amsterdam
- General
- [email protected]
- Restaurant THT
- 020 760 4820 · [email protected]
- Room hire
- 020 760 4840 · [email protected]
- Post address
- Buiksloterweg 5c, 1031 CC Amsterdam
- Garden
- Tolhuisweg 3, 1031 CL Amsterdam
Tolhuistuin's history: from Shell to a cultural free place
Tolhuistuin occupies the former Shell research centre and staff canteen on the IJ, now an 18,000 m² cultural free place in Amsterdam-Noord.
Tolhuistuin occupies the former research centre and staff canteen of Shell on the IJ. For decades the site was the heart of the fossil industry; it is now an 18,000 m² cultural free place in Amsterdam-Noord.
The Garden is one of Amsterdam's oldest city parks, a place for recreation and quiet. Around it the site now holds the Pavilion with the Club, IJzaal and restaurant, indoor and outdoor stages, a hip-hop school, a Leeshuis, artworks and workspaces for cultural organisations.
Tolhuistuin is a collaboration between Stichting Tolhuistuin, THT Horeca BV and Stichting Paradiso. Paradiso programmes the Club concerts and Parallel runs its club nights there.
Photos
Photo credits
Annahstasia performing on stage in Tolhuistuin Club, Amsterdam, in May 2026.: Hay Kranen · CC BY 4.0 · Cropped from 4:3 to 3:2 for the hero.
The Pavilion of Tolhuistuin at IJpromenade 2 in Amsterdam-Noord.: Ceescamel · CC BY-SA 4.0
The bar in the IJzaal at Tolhuistuin.: Fred Romero from Paris, France · CC BY 2.0
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Tolhuistuin: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Tolhuistuin from Amsterdam Centraal?
Take the free F3 ferry from the north side of Centraal to Buiksloterweg. The ferry runs day and night and the crossing takes about three minutes; from the landing it is 240 m, about four minutes' walk, to the Pavilion at IJpromenade 2. Bus 38 from Amsterdam-Noord stops next to the venue.
Is there parking at Tolhuistuin?
No, the venue has no car park. The closest garage is A'DAM Parking under the A'DAM Tower at Overhoeksplein 1, about 150 m from the Pavilion. Parking Centrum Oosterdok at Oosterdoksstraat 150 is the cheaper evening option on the city side, a ferry ride from Centraal.
How much does parking cost?
At A'DAM Parking the regular rate is €5.40 per hour with a maximum of €55 per day. From Friday 18:00 to Sunday 23:59 you pay €2.70 per hour if you book the hours in advance. Parking Centrum Oosterdok charges €10 for the evening (18:00–23:59) when booked ahead; a day ticket starts at €25.
How many people fit in the Club?
The Club holds 550 people standing for a concert, 400 at a standing reception, 220 in theatre layout or 150 at dinner. The IJzaal holds 150 standing at a reception or 85 theatre-style, and the Waterstudio seats 75.
Are concerts at Tolhuistuin seated?
Most Club concerts are standing. Some programmes use the 220-seat theatre layout, and the IJzaal can be set up with 85 seats. Seats cannot be reserved in advance: ask at the box office or a steward when you arrive, and come when the doors open.
What time do doors open and concerts start?
Most evening club concerts start at 20:30, with doors at 19:00 or 19:30. Daytime talks and festivals can start at 10:00 or 12:00. The event page for your show gives the exact door time, start and end time; end times vary by programme.
Can you eat at Tolhuistuin?
Yes. Café-restaurant THT in the Pavilion is open daily from 11:00 to 00:00. Lunch is 12:00–16:00; dinner is 17:30–21:00 on Sunday and Monday and 17:30–22:00 Tuesday to Saturday. The menu is shared vegetarian small plates; the restaurant takes card payments only.
Is Tolhuistuin wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Enter at entrance A on IJpromenade 2; the lift is at the end of the ground-floor corridor before the stairs on your left and fits a scooter up to 90 by 145 cm. There is an accessible toilet. The IJzaal and restaurant are partly accessible because of a fixed raised area; the Garden is accessible and the Tuinhuis has a ramp and an accessible toilet.
What is the bag policy at Tolhuistuin?
Tolhuistuin does not publish a bag-size limit on its FAQ. Security may search visitors and bags at the entrance, and outside food and drink are not allowed inside. The Club has lockers. For a specific event, ask [email protected].
Is the Garden free and when is it open?
Yes, the Garden is free and open all year from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are welcome on a lead; cycling and bike parking are not allowed. When the bar is closed you may bring your own food and drink, but not your own alcohol.
What is the connection between Tolhuistuin and Paradiso?
Paradiso is one of Tolhuistuin's house partners and programmes the Club concerts; Parallel runs club nights in the same room. Tolhuistuin itself is a collaboration between Stichting Tolhuistuin, THT Horeca BV and Stichting Paradiso. Tickets for Paradiso-programmed shows are sold through the event page.
Can I hire a room at Tolhuistuin?
Yes. Rooms range from a meeting room for 10 people to the Club for 550 standing, and several can be combined. The IJzaal holds 150 standing or 85 theatre-style; the Waterstudio seats 75. Email [email protected] or call 020 760 4840.
Sources: Tolhuistuin: de Club (October 30, 2026) · Tolhuistuin: FAQ en toegankelijkheid (October 30, 2026) · Tolhuistuin: contact (October 30, 2026) · A'DAM Parking: tarieven en veelgestelde vragen (October 30, 2026) · Tolhuistuin: eten en drinken (October 30, 2026) · Tolhuistuin: over ons (October 30, 2026)
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