Feel history

See the future

Welcome to the Van Gendt Hallen: five historic factory halls from the late 19th century in Amsterdam Center East, which escaped demolition and are now being prepared for the future in a sustainable way.

These halls were designed in 1898 by celebrated Amsterdam architect Dolf van Gendt and were commissioned by the Royal Dutch Factory of Tools and Railway Equipment.

The five halls play an important role in the neighborhood. And with their imposing glass roofs, they're a feast for the eyes.

Watch the video on future plans

The Van Gendt Hallen in 1964

Hall 5 was used as a locomotive workshop

Ships docked at the Dutch East India Company wharf on the east side of the Van Gendt Hallen

The Netherlands' first steam trains and diesel engines were built on this historic piece of the city, which was the backdrop for Amsterdam's industrial and commercial development for 300 years. Local resident Titus Dekker made sure that the halls escaped demolition and that they were declared a national monument. Eduard Zanen took the initiative to sustainably renovate them into an energy-neutral national monument.

"This heritage site always stood for innovation and that's still ingrained in its DNA. The same spirit will be upheld by its new purpose, because I see it as a privilege and responsibility to keep pushing innovation alongside sustainability during the future use of the Van Gendt Hallen. To preserve this industrial heritage for the city and the neighborhood for the present and the future, this building is housed in a foundation. Soon, everyone will be able to go there for culture, sports, food and drinks."

- Eduard Zanen

years of history

repaired windows

m2 surface

m2 solar panels

km cabling

m3 recycled concrete

The Van Gendt Hallen houses

At present, startups and scaleups that can adapt to the many renovation activities still taking place, are housed here. They operate at the intersection of design, technology, innovation and sustainability.