Ten years ago a historic church on the north side of one of the world’s best center city parks (Vondelpark in Amsterdam) was reincarnated as a first of its kind concert hall.  Amsterdam’s special ability to marry old and new design are never more present than at Orgelpark. 


Orgelpark was designed with the unique premise of moving away from the traditional idea that an organ serves the building (in this case a church) and have the building serve the organ and its music. The new Utopia Baroque Organ added to the facility in 2018 (click here for more detail on the arsenal of organs) was designed by the group to provide an authentic presentation of Bach and other music of his era. These people don’t f-around!


The building’s frontside centers on a trio of window towers that mirror the beautiful trees and serenity of the adjacent park (see my picture below).

In addition to 80+ music events each year, the building hosts young instrumental talent to advance mastery of their craft with workshops and respite in Amsterdam. 


A true gem and must see for music lovers! I plan on centering my next trip to Amsterdam around one of the major festivals at Orgelpark.

If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam, I also suggest visiting the Conservatorium Hotel in the Museum Square district.  The building is another music-centric treasure reimagined in modern form and function.

The “Leading Hotels of the World” destination is the former home of the Sweelinck Conservatory of Music, which merged in 1994 with another school to form the present powerhouse Conservatorium van Amsterdam. The castle-like halls and unique use of glass walls dazzle.


Below are some additional photos I snapped of the Conservatorium…