While a quiet summer might be unusual for a premier congress destination, at the Beurs van Berlage, it is a welcome opportunity. The months of July and August allow us to focus on what the busy event season rarely permits. Over the coming weeks, we are undertaking several major maintenance and conservation projects as part of our ongoing stewardship of this monumental building.

Our responsibility to the building sits at the heart of our operations. Designed by H.P. Berlage and opened in 1903 as Amsterdam’s stock exchange, this iconic structure has been part of the city’s story for over a century. It has witnessed Amsterdam evolve and, in turn, has been deeply shaped by the city itself. As custodians of this national monument, we feel a lasting obligation to Amsterdam, its residents, and future generations. Restoration and preservation play a central role in that commitment.

During the summer months, we put that responsibility into practice with multiple maintenance, sustainability, and renovation projects. Aside from the necessary structural upkeep and cosmetic updates, the most significant projects include:

  • The Roofing Project: Berlage’s design for the impressive roofs of our halls is a unique architectural construction. After a century of service, they are receiving a major upgrade focused on durability, efficiency, and advanced climate control, while fully protecting the monument. The first phase will tackle the roofs of the Beursfoyer and the Effectenbeurszaal.
  • Exterior Facade Renovation (Phase 5): Continuing our multi-year maintenance plan to preserve and protect the historic brickwork on the exterior walls.
  • Textile Restoration in the Berlage Zaal: Delicately restoring the century-old, historic textiles within the hall to preserve the space’s authentic character.
  • Grote Zaal Climate Optimization: Overhauling the main hall’s climate control systems, advancing our ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental footprint.
  • Annual Floor Maintenance: Treating and polishing the historic wooden floors throughout the entire Beurslounge, the ground-floor conference rooms, the Administratiezaal, and the Veilingzaal.
  • Subzaal Optimization: Refurbishing the Rode Kamer and the Ontvangkamer, including the integration of advanced cooling systems and integrated media cabinets, to optimise them as high-end breakout spaces.
  • Modernisation of Restroom Facilities: Restoring our monumental restrooms on two floors by the Veilingzaal, reflecting our commitment to quality in every corner of the venue.

Parallel to these heritage works, we are investing in our modern infrastructure, introducing a bespoke signature fragrance for our building to subtly enhance our guest environment.

Our teams and partners are fully committed to minimising any temporary disruption around the venue throughout these works.

To ensure an uncompromised guest experience, our restoration projects will be fully halted on specific dates to host three standout events this August. We look forward to welcoming the international WorldPride Conference from the 5th to the 7th, followed by the ROC van Amsterdam Introduction Day on the 28th, and our annual public Open Day on the 29th of August. By September, our doors will officially reopen for the autumn congress season.

Throughout the summer, we will be sharing a behind-the-scenes look at these projects, including a few places that are normally hidden from view. Keep an eye on our social channels as we take you up onto the rooftops of the Beurs van Berlage.