Paradiso

Paradiso began operating in 1968 as the Cosmic Relaxation Centre, in a former church on Weteringschans near Leidseplein in Amsterdam, built for the Vrije Gemeente and opened in 1880. CCC Inc., Circus and Supersister performed at its opening. The building gained permanent monument status in 1980. DJ-led dance events started there in 1982, alongside its live-music programme. Two balconies overlook the main stage, set beneath the church’s large windows.

The venue is located at Weteringschans 6 in Binnenstad. Its Main Hall accommodates 1,500 people; the Upstairs Room holds 210. Visiting artists’ sound engineers operate the Main Hall’s sound system with assistance from Paradiso technicians. For DJ events, the DJ stands at the centre of the dance floor, while bars line the room’s perimeter.

Parachute, launched in 2023, is a club night featuring house, hip-hop, bass and drum and bass. Paradiso’s programming also includes live electronic music, emerging genres and music from the Global South. Noodlanding! held Thursday-night events in the Great Hall. Paradiso has taken part in Amsterdam Dance Event since the festival began in 1996, and opened its sister venue and club Parallel at Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam-Noord in 2022. Artists who have played Paradiso include Goldie, 1991 and Culture Shock.