Paradiso

Paradiso is a former church, built in the 19th century, turned entertainment venue in Amsterdam, known for its association with hippie counterculture, rock music, drug tolerance, and diverse programming including concerts, lectures, and plays.

About this building

Paradiso, a former church utilized by the "Vrije Gemeente" in the 19th century, was occupied by hippies in 1967 with the intention of transforming it into a recreational club. In 1968, the city officially repurposed it into a center for youth entertainment, quickly gaining recognition as a focal point for the counterculture movement and renowned for its association with rock music. Throughout the years, it expanded its range of events to encompass lectures, theatrical performances, classical music, and diverse artists.

It has proudly hosted legendary performances by internationally acclaimed acts such as AC/DC, Adele, David Bowie, Madonna, Nirvana, and The Rolling Stones. Notable milestones include Pink Floyd's concert in 1968, Glen Matlock's final show with the Sex Pistols in 1977, and The Rolling Stones' highly-regarded semi-acoustic concerts in 1995, regarded as some of their finest live performances as acknowledged by Keith Richards.

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Social heritage
  • Famous people or stories

Visitors information

  • Ramp or level access available on request
  • Parking within 250m
  • Café in the building
  • Wifi

Other nearby buildings

Keizersgrachtkerk

This congregation was founded after a schism in the Dutch Reformed Church in 1886 , the so-called Doleantie. In 1887, the church council of the Dolerende bought a double mansion with the coach house behind it on the Kerkstraat.

Heilige Franciscus Xaverius / De Krijtberg

The Krijtberg is the successor to a clandestine church that had been located in a house called Crijtberg since 1654 and was served by Jesuits. Construction of the current church began in 1881. The neo-Gothic church was designed by architect Alfred Tepe . Just as he had done with the Sint-Willibrorduskerk in Utrecht, Tepe had to build a large church on a relatively small surface area, this time between the existing canal houses.