De Duif: Church in Grachtengordel, Amsterdam
De Duif is a 19th-century church on the Prinsengracht opposite the Amstelveld in Amsterdam, now both a concert hall and the home of an independent ecumenical congregation. Go for a concert or recital in the restored church, for a free organ concert on the Smits organ, or for a lecture or service. The church, designed by Leiden architect Th. Molkenboer, had its first stone laid in April 1857. Its name goes back to a 17th-century hidden church called Het Vrededuifje on the Kerkstraat. When the bishop wanted to close and sell it for demolition, the parishioners squatted the building in January 1974 and carried on with the Sunday service. That act grew into a free community with its own elected leaders. In 1978 it gave church asylum to 182 Moroccans. Lack of money took its toll: the building stood wrapped up for more than 25 years because the front had come loose. Stadsherstel bought it from the diocese in 1995 for a symbolic sum, and it reopened in 2002 after a thorough restoration that uncovered parts of the original wall paintings. Stadsherstel now manages it as a hired venue for concerts, lectures, dinners and weddings, while the congregation keeps Sunday mornings.
Contact
- Phone +31 20 520 0090
- Website Visit site ↗
- Email contact@deduif.net
- Address Prinsengracht 756, Grachtengordel, 1017 LD Amsterdam
- Social
Getting there
De Duif1017 LD
Good to know
- Live music
- Room hire
Upcoming at De Duif
About De Duif
De Duif is a 19th-century church on the Prinsengracht opposite the Amstelveld in Amsterdam, now both a concert hall and the home of an independent ecumenical congregation. Go for a concert or recital in the restored church, for a free organ concert on the Smits organ, or for a lecture or service.
The church, designed by Leiden architect Th. Molkenboer, had its first stone laid in April 1857. Its name goes back to a 17th-century hidden church called Het Vrededuifje on the Kerkstraat. When the bishop wanted to close and sell it for demolition, the parishioners squatted the building in January 1974 and carried on with the Sunday service. That act grew into a free community with its own elected leaders. In 1978 it gave church asylum to 182 Moroccans.
Lack of money took its toll: the building stood wrapped up for more than 25 years because the front had come loose. Stadsherstel bought it from the diocese in 1995 for a symbolic sum, and it reopened in 2002 after a thorough restoration that uncovered parts of the original wall paintings. Stadsherstel now manages it as a hired venue for concerts, lectures, dinners and weddings, while the congregation keeps Sunday mornings.
Nearby venues
- Flint Space 1017 XJ
- Stadsarchief Amsterdam Grachtengordel
- Club Prime Amsterdam
- Huis van Iemand Anders De Pijp
- Bar Shaffy 1017 HT
- Margarita's Bar & Kitchen 1017 NH
- Huis Willet-Holthuysen Grachtengordel
- Chicago Social Club Amsterdam
Explore nearby
Common questions
- Are there concerts at De Duif in Amsterdam?
- Yes, the church hosts concerts and recitals, and its acoustics suit them well. Organ concerts on the Smits organ are free to attend, according to Stadsherstel. For anything else, check the organiser of that concert.
- Is De Duif still a church?
- Yes, the ecumenical community De Duif still holds its services here on Sunday mornings. It chooses its own leaders each year and is a regular tenant of the building. The rest of the week the church is available for hire.
- Can you hire De Duif?
- Yes, Stadsherstel manages the building and rents it daily for lectures, symposia, dinners, receptions, weddings and concerts. The floating wooden floor also suits dance. Enquiries go to zalen@stadsherstel.nl or 020 520 0090, the Stadsherstel number.
- Why was De Duif squatted in 1974?
- The bishop wanted to close the church and sell it for demolition. When closure came in January 1974, the parishioners refused to accept it, occupied the building and kept holding services. That is how the present community began.
- When are the services at De Duif?
- The congregation holds its service on Sundays at 10:30. The rest of the week the church is hired out for concerts and gatherings, so there are no regular opening hours.