De School's weekly music music programme is beautifully curated, with the best techno DJs and producers keeping crowds dancing well into morning every weekend. As well as its music schedule, since opening in 2016 it has also provided a range of activities for visitors. The upstairs restaurant and cafe offer high class food and drink in an industrial interior. Meanwhile, Het Gymlokaal provides classes for a variety of sports and athletic activities. Located in Amsterdam West, in a building that was previously home to a high school, De School was a project devised by people involved in the city’s legendary club Trouw, which closed in 2014.
De School is one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant cultural centres.
It’s important that Amsterdam remains a home to projects which support the city’s and art scenes.
The club’s infamously selective entrance policy and world class sound system have earned it a great reputation in the dance music scene. It is known for having a very loyal community. Live shows from a diverse range of artists, often programmed by music platform Subbacultcha, take place in the venue’s more intimate s105 room. Perhaps the most famous parties at De School are their Het Weekenders. These 72 hour long events realise the venue’s dream to be a space “where people can dance, eat, drink and enjoy cultural offerings at any time of the day.”
De School's functional and clean visual identity was developed by Amsterdam's Mainstudio. Mainstudio has become one of their premiere design and brand identity studios in the city. The team has worked on various publications for architects, researchers and festivals, and have won international awards for their efforts.
The venue also hosts residencies for artists who produce multimedia, location-specific installations. Amsterdam’s premiere light design duo Children of the Light are responsible for the venue’s distinctive neons and strobes. The venue’s blog includes tips and interests from the venue’s staff, as well as interviews with visiting artists and DJs. Unfortunately, De School isn’t a permanent thing, as their location is set for redevelopment in the near future. Hopefully, out of the ashes of De School another comparably essential project will arise. It’s important that Amsterdam remains a home to projects which support the city’s art scenes.
Text: Nicholas Burman
De School
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