Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ is a contemporary concert hall on Amsterdam’s IJ waterfront, about a 10-minute walk from Centraal Station. Its glass architecture faces the river, and the flexible main hall hosts contemporary classical music, jazz, electronic music and world music. Check the programme for a concert, or visit the café-restaurant Zouthaven and its riverside terrace. For terrace concerts, arrive early to choose a spot closer to the music.
A concert hall on the IJ
Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ opened in 2005 on the waterfront east of Amsterdam Centraal station. The concert hall focuses on contemporary classical music and related genres, including jazz, electronic music and world music. Its programme includes chamber ensembles, orchestras and touring performers, as well as international festivals devoted to modern composers.
The building brings two music organizations together in one structure. The adjacent BIMHUIS is a separate venue known for jazz and improvised music. Check which hall is hosting the performance when you plan your visit.
Glass architecture and a flexible hall
The building’s glass exterior looks out towards the IJ, with a large terrace beside the water. Inside, the main hall can be adapted for different seating, acoustic and lighting arrangements. That flexibility suits a programme spanning smaller ensembles and larger orchestras.
The venue is also worth considering for its architecture. Its design combines a glass-enclosed gathering space, a broad covered outdoor area by the harbour and a projecting section facing the city centre.
Plan your visit
The venue is about a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station. Concert tickets are recommended in advance for popular jazz and world music performances. For terrace concerts, seating is unassigned, so arriving early gives you a better chance of sitting closer to the music.
Café-restaurant Zouthaven is inside the building and has a terrace overlooking the river. It can fit into an evening before or after a performance. Families can check the programme for Klankspeeltuin, a children’s music workshop that uses sound installations.
Perguntas frequentes
How far is Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ from Amsterdam Centraal?
It is about a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station.
What kind of music is performed at Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ?
The programme includes contemporary classical music, jazz, electronic music and world music.
Should I book concert tickets in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for popular jazz and world music concerts.
Is there a restaurant at Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ?
Yes. Café-restaurant Zouthaven is in the building and has a terrace overlooking the IJ.
