Why we sometimes offer our spaces free of charge
In the heart of Amsterdam stands our home: the Beurs van Berlage. For more than a hundred years, this has been a place where people come together. Originally built as a symbol of cooperation and progress, and to this day, that spirit lives on in everything we do. We host conferences, events, cultural initiatives and meaningful gatherings — large and small, local and international.
What’s less visible, is that this building also welcomes initiatives that couldn’t happen without a helping hand. Social organisations, community projects, or commemorations of special significance — events with little to no budget, but with great value to the city or society.
Making space for what matters
Every now and then, we choose to support such an initiative. Sometimes that means waiving the venue hire, or collaborating closely with the organisers to shape their event. Not because we’re looking to promote ourselves, but because we believe a place like the Beurs van Berlage carries a public responsibility too.
We do this selectively. Infrequently. And always based on a few clear criteria, such as:
- the social impact of the initiative
- its connection to the city of Amsterdam or our local community
- alignment with the values of our historic venue
These are careful decisions. Offering our spaces free of charge is never taken lightly — it requires time, resources and commitment. But occasionally, it’s exactly what’s needed to make something valuable happen.
Not a grand gesture, just a small contribution
This is not a story we share to earn praise. We share it because we want to be transparent about who we are, and what we stand for. Because we believe heritage only truly lives when it is part of the present.
And because we’re proud of those rare moments when the Beurs van Berlage becomes a stage for something that doesn’t revolve around money — but around people.