Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

Theater Amsterdam concert hall for contemporary classical and experimental music

Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ sits on Amsterdam’s waterfront and programs contemporary classical, experimental and electro-acoustic concerts; audiences appreciate the acoustics, seasonal festivals and riverfront setting.

Main image

Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ is a contemporary music and concert venue on the IJ waterfront in Amsterdam, North Holland, opened in 2005. It is a major home for contemporary classical, experimental and crossover music in the city.

Programming spans orchestral concerts, chamber music, contemporary repertoire and festivals, with a separate dedicated jazz venue, the Bimhuis, housed in the same complex. The building contains a main auditorium and smaller recital spaces, plus a foyer overlooking the water used for informal performances and events.

Constructed and opened in 2005 to provide a modern, acoustically oriented venue on the waterfront, the complex brought together classical and jazz programming under one roof and strengthened the city’s waterfront cultural district.

The Muziekgebouw sits on the north bank of the IJ river near Amsterdam Centraal Station, accessible by ferry and pedestrian routes along the waterfront.

  • Opening year: Opened in 2005 on the IJ waterfront, the building is a focal point for contemporary and classical music in Amsterdam.
  • Waterfront location: Located adjacent to ferry and waterfront connections, offering direct views over the IJ and quick links to Amsterdam Centraal.

What to See #

  • Bimhuis (jazz venue): A modern concert venue on the north bank of the IJ river that also houses the separate jazz venue Bimhuis, which moved into the complex in 2005.
  • Main auditorium and foyer: Main concert auditorium and smaller recital spaces plus a foyer with views across the IJ waterfront used for receptions and informal performances.
Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
Piet Heinkade 1, 1019 BR Amsterdam, Netherlands
52.3780, 4.9153
Admission varies by event; some concerts require tickets from €10 upward

How to Get to Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ #

The Muziekgebouw is a short walk (about 10 minutes) from Amsterdam Centraal station across the IJ waterfront; ferries and local trams also provide easy access. It’s especially convenient for travellers coming by train.

Tips for Visiting Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ #

  • Check the Muziekgebouw's programme online and book tickets in advance for popular contemporary-music events.
  • Arrive early to enjoy the building's café terrace with views over the IJ - the location is one of the venue's best features.
  • If attending a daytime rehearsal or educational event, contact the box office - they sometimes offer cheaper or free entry.

Best Time to Visit Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ #

As a concert hall the best time to visit depends entirely on the season's programme - check schedules for special events.

Year-round
All months · Indoor climate-controlled
Programming drives visits; autumn and spring often feature festival programming and premieres.

Weather & Climate near Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ #

Climate

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ'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).

Best Time to Visit
AugustMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.1h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
15.5h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 22°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.5h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 18°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.5h daylight

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