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
Biodiversity x Finance
Van stal naar staal
Kweekvlees als kans voor boer én biodiversiteit.
di 2 sep, 20.00
Reserveer
in samenwerking met het Van Gogh Museum
Ik ben Jo: het verhaal van Jo van Gogh-Bonger
Wat betekent zij voor Amsterdamse vrouwen in 2025?
di 2 sep, 20.00
Reserveer
Takers not makers 2
Miljardairs en de koloniale economie
Hoe het kolonialisme de basis legde voor wereldwijde economische ongelijkheid.
wo 3 sep, 20.00
Reserveer
Boekpresentatie
Begrijp jij Centraal-Europa nog?
Met Orbán, Kaczyński en Fico glijden Centraal-Europese landen af naar autocratische regimes. Wat is hier aan de hand?
vr 5 sep, 20.00
Reserveer
It's All Graphic 14
Between archive and urgency
How can we develop a vocabulary of solidarity through an interplay between archive and urgency?
wo 10 sep, 20.00
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Boekpresentatie & nagesprek
Koolstofkoorts
Klimaatverandering, emissiehandel en ontbossing in het Congolese veenmoeras.
wo 10 sep, 20.00
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Fotokroniek x Pakhuis de Zwijger x RFG Media 111
New Voices III – Voices Unveiled
Negen fotografen met roots in onder andere Cuba, Jemen, Egypte, Argentinië, Oekraïne en Syrië bieden een frisse blik op Nederland.
do 11 sep, 19.30
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Emancipating History 19
Op Zoek naar de Plantagehouder in Mijn Familie
In gesprek over Ach Freule, familieonderzoek en de doorwerking van het slavernijverleden.
do 11 sep, 19.30
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De eeuwenoude band tussen koe, stad en voedsel
Pasture with cows
Wat deed de koe in de stad, en wat zegt dat over Amsterdam?
vr 12 sep, 19.00
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Fotokroniek 112
Darren Smith
The story behind Mayflies, which took photographer Darren Smith from Amsterdam’s clubs to creative events around the world.
di 16 sep, 20.00
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Tegenlicht Meet Up x Justice for Palestine 256
In de ban van Israël
We duiken de archieven van VPRO Tegenlicht in: In de ban van Israël toen en nu.
di 16 sep, 20.00
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Designing Technology for All x Amnesty International 5
The Digital Fabric of Political Violence
How are social media companies failing to prevent and respond effectively to tech-facilitated violence against marginalized and underrepresented groups?
wo 17 sep, 19.30
Reserveer
Ruimte! Ruimte! Ruimte!
In gesprek met Wouter Veldhuis en Thijs van Spaandonk
Hoe bouwen we de rechtvaardige stad van morgen? Een overdrachtsgesprek voor de Rijksadviseur voor de Fysieke Leefomgeving.
wo 17 sep, 20.00
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Special & Diner
Week Tegen Racisme 2026: Meetup & Brainstorm
Denk mee over de programmering en activiteiten van de Week Tegen Racisme in maart 2026!
do 18 sep, 18.00
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Poen, prestige of plezier.
Passie gewaardeerd: krijg jij wat je verdient?
Werken in de culturele en creatieve sector.
do 18 sep, 20.00
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Documentaire en nagesprek
Beyond Words
Een interactieve avond over zorg, muziek en de kracht van risico’s nemen en kwetsbaarheid.
vr 19 sep, 20.00
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LEAP presents
Control over the drugs market
Who is in charge: drug dealers or policymakers?
ma 22 sep, 19.30
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Nederland Kiest
Het Grote Klimaatdebat
Kabinet na kabinet heeft gefaald in het waarmaken van grote groene beloftes voor 2030. Hoe willen partijen dat na de aankomende verkiezingen doen?
ma 22 sep, 20.00
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Unwanted Words Project presents:
Queer Poetry Night
Join us for the next edition of this open mic night!
di 23 sep, 19.00
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Economie van Morgen 17
De democratische markt
Wat is de invloed van economische ongelijkheid op de werking van onze democratie? En hoe kunnen we een economisch verbeelden die streeft naar waardigheid en betrokkenheid?
di 23 sep, 19.30
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In de spotlight