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.
