Pakhuis de Zwijger focuses its programs on the future of cities, the metropolitan region, our country and the world. We do this together with the two branches New Metropolis ‘Nieuw-West’ and ‘Zuidoost’. Our approach to large and complex issues and challenges is value-driven. Through seven main topics – social, spatial planning, sustainability, technology, economy, democracy and creative industry – and twenty ambitions formulated by us, we create programs together with our partners and realise projects that contribute to better living environments for all.

Fair
In the world of tomorrow, everyone has access to quality and affordable education, good care, work and a home. Power and property are distributed fairly.

Inclusive
In the world of tomorrow, everyone participates and all preferences, appearances and backgrounds are represented. The diversity of the society is visible at all levels and in all institutions.

Democratic
In the world of tomorrow, everyone has a say. Control, ownership and responsibility are evenly distributed. The government works for and with the inhabitants of the city.

Flourishing
In the world of tomorrow there is space for companies and individuals to do business. The value that is created flows back to the city and benefits all its inhabitants, in the form of money and knowledge.

Liveability
Tomorrow’s world is a pleasant place to live. The air is clean and there is plenty of green. Careful consideration is given to scarce space, residents and visitors can meet in public spaces and children can play safely on the streets.

Safety
In tomorrow’s world, everyone can live a carefree life. It is a place with room for differences of opinion without resulting in violence, exclusion or radicalisation. Everyone feels free, at home and safe and takes responsibility for each other’s safety.

Health
In tomorrow’s world, everyone has access to good and appropriate healthcare, nutritious and varied food, clean air, a green environment and sports facilities. Everyone can lead a healthy, active, dignified and happy lifestyle.

Caring
In tomorrow’s world, no one will be left out. People look after each other and there is a listening ear for everyone. The government offers an accessible social safety net.

Affordable
In tomorrow’s world, everyone is provided for. Everyone has sufficient resources for a home, transport, healthy food, information and leisure.

Accessibility
In tomorrow’s world, accessibility is a universal reality. The infrastructure is designed from a human perspective and does not take up unnecessary space.

Skill
In tomorrow’s world, there is good education for everyone. There is lifelong opportunity for personal development to grow alongside the labor market. Everyone’s talent is seen and used.

Enterprising
In tomorrow’s world, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are stimulated. Local, sustainable and social enterprises ensure a resilient and inclusive urban economy.

Circular
In tomorrow’s world, all raw materials will be reused locally and economic growth is not the ultimate goal. There is no more waste and a next life is central to the design of goods.

Green
In tomorrow’s world, people live in harmony with nature. There is sufficient space in the city and surrounding areas for local food production and biodiversity is promoted.

Climate neutral
Tomorrow’s world will no longer contribute to climate change. We will live in balance with our natural environment and leave behind a liveable city for future generations.

Climate proof
In tomorrow’s world, we are prepared for the changing climate. The urban environment is designed for extreme rainfall, drought, heat or sudden temperature changes.

Smart
Science, innovation and new technology will be stimulated In tomorrow’s world. It is a place of research and inspiration. Anyone who wants to can be part of the open and reliable digital society.

Creative
In tomorrow’s world, art is valued and imagination is encouraged. There is a lot of room to color outside the lines. Creation, innovation and design are central issues.

Vibrant
In tomorrow’s world there is plenty of room for a diverse range of art, culture and nightlife. There is room for fun and relaxation, creativity and experimentation

Beauty
In tomorrow’s world, functionality and beauty complement each other. Architecture and the public arena are consciously designed for everyone, without losing sight of the importance

 

 

Aankomende programma’s
Between the Sun, Wind and Waves 14
Wey’i Steam present Bou Palo
A sofa, a tree, and the sounds of the Caribbean.
ma 2 nov, 19.00
Reserveer
Designing Technology for All 18
AI in the family: who does what at home?
Who books the dentist in your household? Housework is unevenly shared, and AI threatens to make this worse. Just Family turns this around with their new AI assistant. With a.o. Elien van Riet & Tim Gouw.
ma 2 nov, 20.00
Reserve tickets
Niet een huis, maar een thuis
Jong en wonen in de stad
Jongeren verdienen een plek in de stad, waarom lukt dat nu niet? En wat gaan we eraan doen? In gesprek met jonge pioniers en ervaren probleemoplossers.
di 3 nov, 19.30
Reserveer
Between the Sun, Wind and Waves 15
Beach Inna Bondage: The Fight for Jamaica’s Coastline
Examining Jamaica’s (and the broader Caribbean’s) fight to protect coastlines, environment and culture.
di 3 nov, 19.30
Reserveer
Economie van morgen
Dit is geen crisis
In gesprek met o.a. Hans Stegeman naar aanleiding van zijn nieuwe boek. Hoe kunnen we het dominante economische verhaal herschrijven?
di 3 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
The Netherlands Red Cross presents:
We Refuse to Be Broken
Sudanese voices showing the strength of community in times of crisis
wo 4 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
Special
Grenzen: zegen of vloek?
De WereldBurgerJury gaat met jou in gesprek over de vraag: Wie heeft baat bij de grenzen van vandaag?
wo 4 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
Boekpresentatie + nagesprek
Vierkante ogen
Hoe informatici de wereld zien en vormen. In gesprek met Felienne Hermans over haar nieuwe boek.
do 5 nov, 19.30
Reserveer
Pakhuis Kino x Beeldbestormers
Beeldbestormers – Levende lijven: een beperkt beeld
Hoe worden vrouwen met een beperking gerepresenteerd in films en series? Tijdens deze editie van Beeldbestormers gaan we hierover in gesprek.
do 5 nov, 19.30
Reserveer
Feminist Climate Academy 5
Caribbean Climate Justice
Applying a feminist perspective to climate justice in the island nations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
do 5 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
John Adams Institute presents:
Midterm Madness
The Aftershow/De Grote Nabeschouwing. Just days after the election, join us for an evening exploring what the results mean—not only for America, but for Europe and the world.
vr 6 nov, 19.30
Reserveer
Special
Wat is de journalistiek ons waard?
Waarom een gezonde democratie niet zonder journalisten kan. In gesprek met Natasja Gibbs naar aanleiding van haar nieuwe pamflet.
ma 9 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
Dag van de Mantelzorg
SCP Symposium: Van kennis naar actie
Op de Dag van de Mantelzorg verkennen we de uitdagingen en oplossingen voor de mantelzorger van nu en morgen.
di 10 nov, 14.45
Reserveer
Book presentation + after talk
The Tunnel of Hope: Living, healing & creating meaning when the body breaks
What happens when life collapses, then continues anyway? A shared ceremony of presence with readings, a short film and moments of stillness.
di 10 nov, 19.00
Reserveer
Designing Technology for All 19
Memory Ball: A hands-on memory workshop
In this hands-on workshop you add your story to Memory Ball, a shared, growing archive of Amsterdam memories, and make a personal memory object to take home.
di 10 nov, 19.30
Reserveer
Water & Biodiversiteit
Van open riool naar zwemparadijs
Hoe houden we onze Amsterdamse wateren schoon in tijden van onzichtbare vervuilers?
di 10 nov, 19.30
Reserveer
Between the Sun, Wind and Waves 16
Ora Sagrado: Triple Bill Screening by NØËL
Three short films by NØËL.
wo 11 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
SOMO x PdZ
How to still Europe’s hunger for minerals
European electrification leaves communities in the Global South powerless. A conversation on corporate power, mineral demand and the future of mobility.
wo 11 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
Economie van morgen
De Machinerie van de Volkshuisvesting
Aan welke knoppen kan de Minister van Volkshuisvesting en Ruimtelijke Ordening draaien om de wooncrisis aan te pakken? In gesprek met o.a. Minister Boekholt O'Sullivan, Thomas Bollen en Carlijn Kingma.
wo 11 nov, 20.00
Reserveer
Stichting TEDxAmsterdam presents:
TEDxAmsterdam 2026: After Growth
Long-standing international rules, financial institutions and technological paradigms are shifting substantially. The world we’ve built is changing and with it, some of the assumptions we’ve taken for granted. So, what comes After Growth?
do 12 nov, 14.00
Reserveer
In de spotlight