Bimhuis Theater

Amsterdam concert hall dedicated to jazz and improvised music

Contemporary jazz venue on Amsterdam's waterfront, hosting international and Dutch performers; visitors attend concerts, festivals and late-night gigs in an intimate, acoustically focused space.

Main image

Bimhuis at a Glance#

Address: Piet Heinkade 3, 1019 BR Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website: https://www.bimhuis.nl

About Bimhuis#

Bimhuis is Amsterdam’s principal venue for jazz and improvised music, located on the IJ waterfront at Piet Heinkade. It functions as a presenting and touring space for Dutch and international artists.

The hall presents concerts year-round across a broad range of jazz, contemporary and experimental music styles and is sited adjacent to the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ. Programming includes single-artist performances, ensembles and festival events.

The organisation was established in 1973 and moved to its current purpose-built location on the waterfront in the early 2000s, providing a dedicated performance space and front-of-house facilities.

The venue sits on Amsterdam’s southern waterfront, directly on the IJ, making it accessible from Amsterdam Centraal by foot or a short tram and pedestrian route.

  • History and role: Founded in 1973 and relocated to its current waterfront venue next to the Muziekgebouw in the early 2000s, it is Amsterdam’s principal stage for jazz and improvised music.

How to Get to Bimhuis#

Bimhuis (the jazz venue) sits on the IJ waterfront next to the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ in central Amsterdam on Piet Heinkade. From Amsterdam Centraal station it is an easy walk east along the waterfront of roughly 8-12 minutes (around 700-900 m) to the Muziekgebouw/Bimhuis complex. Amsterdam Centraal is served by national and regional trains and many city trams and buses; if arriving by public transport, travel to Centraal and walk the short distance along the waterfront to the venue.

Tips for Visiting Bimhuis#

  • Buy concert tickets in advance-Bimhuis performances often sell out, and online booking guarantees a spot and faster entry on the evening.
  • Arrive 20-30 minutes before the start to enjoy the foyer and terrace views over the IJ; these waterfront vistas are frequently missed by people who arrive just in time for the show.
  • Check the event listing for door times and any late-entry policies-Bimhuis schedules can be tight, and smaller venues limit late seating during performances.

Best Time to Visit Bimhuis#

For the Bimhuis, choose weekday performances or off‑peak months for easier availability; always book tickets in advance for weekend shows.

Peak tourist season
June-August (summer) and major festival weekends · Indoor, climate‑controlled (~18-22°C)
Higher tourist levels in summer mean concerts and nearby venues are busier-buy tickets in advance for popular performances.
Off‑peak weekdays
November-March (outside main tourist season) and weekday evenings year‑round · Indoor, climate‑controlled (~18-22°C)
Fewer tourists and easier seating-weekday shows offer the most relaxed experience, but weekend slots still fill quickly for headline acts.

Weather & Climate near Bimhuis#

Climate

Bimhuis's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (878 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 43 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 1° - 6° -1° 75 mm overcast 91% 5.5 m/s 0.0 low 8.1h
February Poor 1° - 6° -1° 56 mm overcast 90% 5.1 m/s 0.1 low 9.7h
March Acceptable 3° - 9° 2° 71 mm overcast 86% 5.1 m/s 0.4 low 11.7h
April Good 4° - 12° 6° 51 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 13.8h
May Very Good 8° - 17° 13° 53 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.5 m/s 1.2 high 15.5h
June Good 11° - 19° 15° 74 mm overcast 79% 4.2 m/s 1.4 high 16.5h
July Good 13° - 21° 17° 70 mm overcast 79% 4.1 m/s 1.4 high 16.0h
August Very Good 13° - 22° 17° 64 mm overcast 80% 3.8 m/s 1.1 high 14.5h
September Good 11° - 18° 15° 88 mm overcast 82% 4.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 12.5h
October Acceptable 7° - 14° 11° 93 mm overcast 86% 4.4 m/s 0.3 low 10.4h
November Acceptable 4° - 10° 4° 98 mm overcast 90% 4.7 m/s 0.1 low 8.6h
December Poor 2° - 7° 1° 85 mm overcast 92% 5.1 m/s 0.0 low 7.5h

Nearby Attractions to Bimhuis#