Curated; a collection of creative workspaces in repurposed buildings

Composed; In a city where space is scarce and ideas are constantly evolving, existing buildings are increasingly being given a new lease of life as creative workplaces. Former garages, chapels, or theaters are being transformed into inspiring spaces where working, meeting, and creating come together. The character of these places remains palpable: high ceilings, robust materials, and unexpected floor plans give each workplace its own identity. Reusing existing buildings not only creates space for new ideas, but also a sustainable way of developing. In this way, a new work culture emerges from the past, where history and creativity reinforce each other. Read more here.

A gallery that cares. In her home in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, Marian Cramer developed a gallery practice that deviates from the classic model.

In her home in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, Marian Cramer developed a gallery practice that deviates from the classical model. Here, working and living are not separate domains, but together form the framework within which art is displayed, discussed, and followed. The proximity of the home changes the way we look at art: less formally, more personally, and with room for time. For Marian, it's all about taking time, looking, and guiding artists over the long term. Read more here

The lawyer who uses art to think differently. Aernoud Bourdrez on art, conflicts, and the space between the two.

Aernoud Bourdrez operates in a world where art and law constantly intersect. As a lawyer, he represents artists, but as a collector, he allows himself to be shaped by them. His office is a studio full of stories, his practice a search for unexpected solutions. In this portrait, he explains how art sharpens his gaze and gives conflicts new directions. And why an X-ray from Jackass is more than just a curiosity to him.

Spotlight: ‘Aatje’. Former studio and home of renowned artist Aat Veldhoen.

Spotlight: 'Aatje'. In the heart of Amsterdam's creative and lively Wittenburg district stands a building full of character. It is the former studio and home of renowned artist Aat Veldhoen, known as a pioneer of graphic art in the Netherlands and a leading figure in the Amsterdam art scene of the 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, Eilandenboulevard has developed into a sought-after place to live and work, with a mix of historical charm and creative activity. Take a look at this unique building and find inspiration in the neighborhood guide.

Ten years of Shortlist Amsterdam: an anniversary with simple recipes for success.

Ten years of Shortlist Amsterdam: an anniversary with simple recipes for success. Amsterdam has matured as a food city, and Shortlist Amsterdam has grown with it over the past ten years. Sisters Famke and Floor van Praag are celebrating the anniversary of their cookbook series about great restaurants with a brand-new edition full of simple recipes for success. Classics with character, recipes that any home cook can make, and restaurants that guard the soul of the city. Read more here.

Compiled; a collection of workspaces in the center of Amsterdam.

Composed; working in the center of Amsterdam. Who doesn't dream of that? The hustle and bustle of the city with all its cultural offerings and the peace and comfort of your own office. These workspaces have it all. Read and see more here.

Light is never just light. For Dimitri Saddi, founder of PSLab, it is a language with which you can tell stories.

Light is never just light. For Dimitri Saddi, founder of PSLab, it is a language with which you tell stories. From their studios in Amsterdam, Antwerp, Paris, London, Bologna, Berlin, and their home base in Beirut, the team works on lighting plans that do not start with a lamp, but with people. "Everyone has their own relationship with light," says Dimitri. "It touches on habits, memories, and emotions." In this edition of The Edit, Dimitri, Taco (Amsterdam), and An (Antwerp) delve deeper into their way of working: how dialogue, technique, and reflection come together in a lighting plan that is never generic, but always a Immediately translation of someone's life. Be inspired

Meet interior designer Anita Fraser. After a career as a litigation lawyer, she studied interior design at the University of the Arts London. Today, she collaborates with designers and architects to refine and elevate residential and working environments.

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series interior designer Anita Fraser. Anita has a passion for architecture, design and creating spaces that envelop its inhabitants with positive energy. In her work, she is constantly looking for the right balance between form, function and materiality. After a career as a process lawyer, she studied interior design at the University of Arts London. She now collaborates with other designers, architects and Project developers to refine both living and working spaces. Read and view more here

Meet the entrepreneur: in this series, Hans Woerlee, from Project development to the kitchen

Interview. Meet the entrepreneur, Hans Woerlee, from Project development to the kitchen. “I was always the one pulling the strings, but now I consciously allow myself to loosen the reins a little. And, in truth, it feels better than ever.”

Toscanini has been a household name in Amsterdam for forty years. Maud Moody, one of the founders, tells how it all started.

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Maud Moody. Toscanini has been a household name in Amsterdam for forty years. Not only because of the tasteful, homely Italian cuisine, but also because of the people behind the business. Maud Moody, one of the founders, tells how it all started – and how a holiday in Rome led to one of the city's most beloved restaurants. Read the whole story

A stately mansion gets a new soul.

Looking inside, a stately mansion gets a new soul. Vivian Hartog, brand strategist and designer of Griffe Studio, was involved from the start in the transformation of Birkenstock's Benelux headquarters on Sarphatistraat. What was once a classic mansion is now a place where history and contemporary design meet - with great attention to detail, materials and atmosphere. Read and see more here

The Man Behind the Craft – Barry Zardoni, restoration plasterer

The art of craft. In The Edit – The art of craft, we highlight craftsmen who work to preserve and restore historical heritage. Their dedication to artisanal techniques, from marble stucco to gilding, shows that heritage is only truly future-proof when tradition and craftsmanship come together. One of those craftsmen is Barry Zardoni, a restoration plasterer pur sang. Read and view more here

Spotlight; The Gentleman

Spotlight: 'The Gentleman'. Working in the historic heart of Amsterdam, on the Grachtengordel-Zuid – who wouldn't want that? This inspiring area buzzes with creativity and attracts a diverse mix of artists, writers, designers, and entrepreneurs. With cultural hotspots such as De Bazel, FOAM, the Rijksmuseum, and the Kleine Komedie within easy reach, this location offers the perfect balance between working and networking.
Be inspired by the dynamism of the neighborhood and the tranquility of an exclusive workplace in a monumental canal house. The hidden gem? A sunny south-facing garden with elegant gravel paths and classic boxwood hedges – an oasis of greenery in the middle of the city. Read more here

Amsterdam, a vibrant hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

The Creative Advantages of Working in Amsterdam; Amsterdam is much more than a city of canals, bicycles, and tulips. It is a vibrant hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration. For companies, startups, and independent creatives, this city offers a unique breeding ground for ideas to flourish. But what makes working in Amsterdam so special? Read more

‘Modern working at And Agency. An interior design concept that revolves around versatility and adaptability. A project 88 Projects in collaboration with Studio Sluijzer.’

Modern working at And Agency. An interior design concept that revolves around versatility and adaptability. A Project by 88 Projects in collaboration with Studio Sluijzer. Read and see more here about how a working environment can also be different.

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series designers Xander Vervoort and Leon van Boxtel of x + l design

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series designers Xander Vervoort and Leon van Boxtel of x + l design. In their online store, they present handmade products that they have made themselves. Most are one of a kind. Loose objects and limited series that go together with handmade finds from their travels. Xander and Leo love the irregularity in the products: the human touch gives it an extra dimension.
Read and view more here

Monumental working in the heart of the city

Spotlight: Monumental works in the heart of the city. Herengracht 286 is a monumental building of exceptional beauty, located on one of Amsterdam's most prestigious canals. The building combines impressive architecture and historical significance with modern amenities. Read more here.

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Titi Waber of Indonesian restaurant Blauw

Meet the entrepreneur, Titi Waber, chef of the Indonesian restaurant Blauw

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Evelien and Kiriakos Polichronakis, owner and chef of Greek caterer Mitsos

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Evelien and Kiriakos Polichronakis, owner and chef of Greek caterer Mitsos

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Atsuhito Hosono, owner and chef of Japanese restaurant Umeno

Meet the entrepreneur, Atsuhito Hosono, owner and chef of Japanese restaurant Umeno

Interview. Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Tanja Deurloo, fragrance expert and perfume designer, talks about scent in the home. “You can see scent as the fourth dimension in a space.”

Interview. Meet the entrepreneur, Tanja Deurloo, fragrance expert and perfume designer, about scent in the home

Inspiring workplaces

Inspiring workplaces volume 1. Amsterdam has many special places. Not only to live, but also to work. The new way of working is about quality

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Simon Witmaar of restaurant Coulisse

Meet the entrepreneur, Simon Witmaar of restaurant Coulisse, cooking in a former theater

Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Jochem Leegstra of creative agency …,staat

Meet the entrepreneur, Jochem Leegstra of creative agency ...,staat, in a unique working environment in an old theater

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In a city where space is scarce and ideas are constantly evolving, existing buildings are increasingly being given a new lease of life as creative workplaces. Former garages, chapels, or theaters are being transformed into inspiring spaces where working, meeting, and creating come together. The character of these places remains palpable: high ceilings, robust materials, and unexpected floor plans give each workplace its own identity. Reusing existing buildings not only creates space for new ideas, but also a sustainable way of developing. In this way, a new work culture emerges from the past, where history and creativity reinforce each other.

Creative workspaces

View this former garage

Sloter Dock

In 2006, the building was renovated on behalf of clothing company Imps&Elfs, based on a design by architect Jaap Dijkman. Dijkman is known for his repurposing and interventions in existing buildings and has worked on projects including the Toscanini restaurant, the NRC building, and De Waag in Amsterdam. Here, too, a classic office layout was not chosen, but rather an open, studio-like space where working and meeting come together. In the middle of the space is a central kitchen with a large dining table. This forms the heart of the building and emphasizes the collective character of the place. Above this central part, a skylight runs across the entire width of the building, allowing daylight to flood deep into the space. Under this skylight is a long table that is used for reading, cooking, and eating. As a result, the space functions not only as an office, but also as a studio and workshop where different activities naturally intermingle.

View this former garage
View this former chapel

Providence

In 1997, KesselsKramer became the owner of the chapel. The internationally renowned advertising agency dares to work outside the conventional paths. For the redesign, the London-based architectural collective FAT — Fashion Architecture Taste — was chosen. The designers were challenged not to change the space architecturally, due to its monumental status. The chapel forms the heart, surrounded by corridors, former monastery rooms, a communion wafer bakery, and living quarters that have changed function over the years. The height of the chapel remains palpable, but the wooden fortress brings intimacy: open and private at the same time. Workspaces have been set up on the organ balcony above the entrance, with a view of the entire chapel.

View this former chapel
Check out this former theater

The Working Theater

The building at Oostenburgergracht 75 was designed in 1952 by architect Marius Duintjer. At the time, it was used as a recreation center for employees of the Werkspoor company. In 1989, the Werktheater moved in. The Werkteater was an experimental theater company. Until 2014, the Oostenburgergracht was their home base. In 2016, the building was completely renovated by Millten and put into use as a creative office building and independent restaurant. The ground floor has an office/studio space with high windows and lots of natural light. The independent catering space on the ground floor was used by Restaurant Coulisse (*) until May 16, 2025. This is the former foyer with beautiful stairs to the first floor, from where the theater hall can be accessed. A characteristic feature is the entirely glass front with impressive light incidence.

Check out this former theater
Take a look at this former gasworks

Coal-fired power station

The Noordergasfabriek began operations in 1913 and remained in use until 1924. The tall building, which resembles a basilica, served as a coal-fired boiler room. The building's architecture is eclectic in style. The factory has been completely renovated and transformed into modern office space. Its distinctive and authentic elements give it a creative and raw industrial look. Unique features include the high ceilings and open space, which offer ample opportunities for lunch, relaxation, meetings, and work.

Take a look at this former gasworks
Check out this former trading company

The Deli

The building, designed by Adolf Daniël Nicolaas van Gendt, is a classicist building from Year of construction with Amsterdam School details, such as decorative brickwork and balustrades. Client The Deli-Batavia Maatschappij, founded in 1875, was a colonial trading company that established its Dutch office at Herengracht 286. The front has a spacious and open layout. The heart of the office space is illuminated by a large skylight, which creates an open and light atmosphere throughout the space. There is room to have lunch near the spacious kitchen and also space to relax. The large high windows at both the front and rear allow plenty of natural light to enter and create an inspiring environment that is ideal for creative and/or business activities.

Check out this former trading company
View the former studio of Aatje Veldhoen

Aatje

For many years, this unique building served as the studio and home of renowned artist Aatje Veldhoen, known as a pioneer of graphic art in the Netherlands and a leading figure in the Amsterdam art scene of the 1960s and 1970s. It was built in 1847 in a 19th-century style characteristic of the development of Wittenburg during that period. The layout offers high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a pleasant balance between open workspaces and closed meeting rooms.  The city garden of approximately 76 m² can be accessed from the basement and via the Roof terrace the ground floor; in addition, the office space has a second Roof terrace the second floor and a balcony on the first floor.

View the former studio of Aatje Veldhoen
View this former garage

The Garage

The building at Overtoom 197 is a municipal monument and was built in 1925 to a design by architect Harmen van Jaarsveld Jr. Its original function was as a garage with a showroom, but later the space was also used as a workshop and warehouse. The car dealership and garage company v/h C.L. de Groot was originally located here. From 1988, the De Zon auction house moved into this building. Today, there is still a link to this history. The painted bricks of the De Zon auction house can still be seen on the facade. Currently, a car rental company is located on the ground floor, and the other floors are used as office space by various creative parties.

View this former garage
View this former garage

The Hammer

This former garage was built in 1953 and converted into a creative office space in 2003. Characteristic features include the high ceilings, the sawtooth roof, and the concrete floor. At the rear of the building is a beautifully landscaped courtyard garden. There is a beautifully landscaped courtyard garden which is accessible to all residents and users of the North Orleans building behind it. The garden has grass, paving, gravel, and various picnic tables and seating areas.

View this former garage
A selection of new openings in the city.

2025, new openings. You don't have to look far to see how Amsterdam continues to change. Sometimes that change isn't in grand gestures, but in small doors that opened, in people who dared to turn their dreams into a place. In 2025, new businesses opened throughout the city that are more than just a new address on the map. Behind every opening is a story of origin, craftsmanship, and choices that determine how we eat, drink, and gather today. Read and view the list by district.

Nicolien Kloppart kunst

Nicolien van KloppArt collects and sells art with love. From lithography to personalized art advice at home: her gallery is a place full of stories and inspiration.

A gallery that cares. In her home in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, Marian Cramer developed a gallery practice that deviates from the classic model.

In her home in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, Marian Cramer developed a gallery practice that deviates from the classical model. Here, working and living are not separate domains, but together form the framework within which art is displayed, discussed, and followed. The proximity of the home changes the way we look at art: less formally, more personally, and with room for time. For Marian, it's all about taking time, looking, and guiding artists over the long term. Read more here

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