The 7 Best Theaters in Amsterdam

Besides being one of the most well respected venues in the city, Amsterdam’s Compagnietheater also ranks among the most prized pieces of architecture in the Netherlands and has stood on the western banks of Kloveniersburgwal canal since 1792. Although the building originally served as a church it has since been deconsecrated and now features several stages.

📍 Compagnietheater, Kloveniersburgwal 50, Amsterdam, +31 20 520 5310

This innovative theater in Amsterdam’s center presents over 700 productions every year and regularly works with other important avant-garde organisations such as Amsterdam’s de Brakke Grond Flemish Art Centre. There are three stages inside as well as a cosy, Dutch style bar which features a charming street-side terrace.

📍Frascati, Nes 63, Amsterdam, +31 20 751 6400

Although the current Stadsschouwburg only dates back to the late 19th century, two other buildings have had this name in Amsterdam and the organisation surrounding the theater has existed since 1637. Today de Stadsschouwburg is recognised as one of the most important theaters in the Netherlands and regularly host premiers and other important productions.

📍 Stadsschouwburg, Leidseplein 26, Amsterdam, +31 20 624 2311

DeLaMar Theater opened after World War II and is housed inside a building that was partially destroyed by the Dutch Resistance during the German occupation of Amsterdam (as it contained valuable records). The Theater is named after its founder’s, Piet Grossouw, wife’s father, Nap de la Mar, who was an esteemed actor in the Netherlands in the early 20th century. Today DeLaMar organises a wide variety of productions including plays, musicals and cabaret.

📍DeLaMar Theater, Leidsekade 91, Amsterdam

Although Carré was designed as a theater, it was originally meant to house a permanent circus but has since been converted into a multi-purpose venue. The theater was completed in 1887 and resembles other Neo-Classical buildings in Amsterdam built during this time, including the Rijksmuseum or Amstel Hotel. The theater now hosts a wide range of productions such as concerts, musicals and even an annual boxing gala.

📍Royal Theater Carré, Amstel 115, Amsterdam, +31 900 2525255

The Netherlands’ National Opera and Ballet is located inside Stopera on the River Amstel – an enormous modernist complex that also houses Amsterdam’s city hall. Besides hosting the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, the theater also serves as the headquarters for the Netherlands’ most prestigious symphony orchestra, Het Balletorkest.

📍 National Opera & Ballet, Amstel 3, Amsterdam, +31 20 551 8117

De Kleine Komedie is the oldest surviving theater in Amsterdam and was established in 1786 under the name Theatre Français sur l’Erwtemarkt. This 503 seat theater now mainly focuses on Dutch language programming and regularly showcases up-and-coming talent from the Netherlands.

📍De Kleine Komedie, Amstel 56 -58, Amsterdam, +31 20 624 0534