De Balie Theater
Independent arts and debate center in Amsterdam
A cultural venue in Amsterdam hosting debates, film screenings and performances; attracts audiences for public talks, contemporary arts and cinema.
De Balie at a Glance#
Address: De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, 1017 RR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: https://debalie.nl
Hours: Programming varies; box office hours typically daytime and evening when events occur
About De Balie#
De Balie is an Amsterdam-based arts and culture centre and platform for public debate, located in the city centre near Leidseplein. It presents a programme of debates, film screenings, theatre and multidisciplinary events addressing cultural and political topics.
A range of event spaces including a main auditorium and smaller halls used for talks, screenings and performances, plus a café that functions as a public meeting space. The programme mixes live discussion formats, film and performing arts, with many events open to the public and some in English.
Established as a civic cultural venue in the late 20th century, the organisation developed into a recognized platform for public debate and cultural programming in Amsterdam. It occupies a central site close to the city’s theatre and nightlife district.
Sited on Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen/Leidseplein in central Amsterdam, the venue is a short walk from key tourist stops, tram lines and the city’s major museums.
- Central location: Located directly beside Leidseplein, within easy walking distance of major tram stops and central Amsterdam attractions such as the canals and museums.
- Program focus: Programs routinely include debates, live events, film screenings and panel discussions often addressing contemporary social and political topics.
How to Get to De Balie#
A short walk from Amsterdam’s Leidseplein and accessible by tram lines that serve the city centre (e.g., trams 1, 2, 5). Located at Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen near major central stops.
Tips for Visiting De Balie#
- Check the event calendar before visiting - De Balie hosts debates, screenings and often English-language programming.
- Buy tickets in advance for popular debates and late-night shows; seating is limited and often unreserved.
- Arrive early to the café-bar downstairs; it's a good place to overhear lively conversations and artists before shows.
Best Time to Visit De Balie#
Best visited during the cultural season (autumn through spring) to catch debates, film screenings and performances.
Weather & Climate near De Balie#
De Balie's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (860 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 73 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 6° | -1° | 53 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 67 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 4° - 12° | 6° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Very Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 11° - 20° | 15° | 72 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 13° - 22° | 17° | 71 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 22° | 17° | 64 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 86 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 92 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 96 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 84 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
