Welcome! This page is for English-speaking visitors. Most of our website and programme is in Dutch, but everyone is welcome here.

What is De Volharding?

De Volharding is a creative community hub in Haarlem-Noord, set in the historic Van Dijk biscuit and rusk factory (Van Dijk’s Koek- en Beschuitfabriek), a 19th-century industrial building. Today it is a warm, lively place for makers, storytellers, doers and curious people from everywhere.

Spread over three large sheds, it is growing into a circular “idea factory” for the whole city, where materials, spaces and stories get a second life. Drop in for a good cup of coffee, an inspiring conversation or a creative workspace.

Under one roof you will find:

  • the Vrijheidstheater (Freedom Theatre), our stage for music, theatre and film
  • the Koek & Beschuithal, used for exhibitions and art events
  • the Maakplaats, our makerspace
  • the Verhalentrefpunt, a meeting place for stories

De Volharding is a project of Stichting Uit Jezelf, a foundation, and is built by and for the people of Haarlem.

Address and getting there

De Volharding, Paul Krugerkade 47 L + 47 R, 2021 BN Haarlem, the Netherlands

De Volharding is event-driven, so there are no fixed opening hours. Opening times depend on the event and are listed per event in the agenda.

What’s on

Concerts, theatre, film, exhibitions, open stage nights and much more. Please note that most of the programme is presented in Dutch. Music and art often speak for themselves.

  • See the full agenda
  • Tickets and prices are listed on each event’s page. Some events are free.

Makerspace and workshops

The Maakplaats is our creative and sustainable makerspace, where craft, reuse and innovation come together. Neighbours can drop in for inspiration and share things through initiatives like Transvaal Deelt, a neighbourhood scheme for shared (cargo) bikes. Makers can apply for a workspace of their own.

Among the makers based here are an architecture and design studio, an interdisciplinary artist and the Wereldmuziekschool (World Music School).

We also host regular workshops for adults and children, such as Wonderkarton, and a weekly theatre group. Most workshops are in Dutch; get in touch to ask whether a workshop suits you.

Renting a space

Looking for a unique location in Haarlem for a conference, a circular event or an inspiring meeting? The Great Hall and the open layout of our three sheds offer room for large events of up to 330 people. We are happy to rent out the space, and also open to creating something together with you.

For makers, we offer affordable studio plots that you can build and furnish as you wish:

  • plots of 6 by 2 to 4 metres, and of 3.5 by 2 to 4 metres, ideal for a combined workshop and sales stand
  • larger temporary workspaces on request, for projects that need more room

For prices, please contact us for a quote.

Community and volunteering

De Volharding is built by a warm group of more than 40 enthusiastic Haarlem residents: artists, architects, musicians, makers, odd-job heroes and neighbours. There is always room for more.

We are looking for volunteers in many areas, such as bar and door staff, sound engineers, technical and building help, social media and organisation. You choose your own rhythm, from weekly to just once a month. We also offer internships at MBO and HBO level (Dutch vocational and applied university level), for example in event production, hospitality and theatre technology.

English speakers are welcome to get in touch.

Support us

De Volharding is a free and accessible place, and we want to keep it that way. Your donation goes straight back into the building, the programme and the community.

IBAN NL12 TRIO 0198 3950 86, in the name of Stichting UitJezelf.

Contact

Questions about events, renting or getting involved? Get in touch with Hugo Post, our project lead and general coordinator.

Nederlandse versie