Pakhuis de Zwijger focuses on the future of the region, our country and the world from an urban perspective through its programs and projects. Our approach to the large and complex social issues and challenges is value-driven and the programs and projects aim to contribute to better cities for everyone.

Future focused
We are an independent and progressive platform for everyone who has ideas and plans for the cities of tomorrow. Or better yet: for the whole world. We have a curious attitude and look critically at the past and present. In our programming we investigate new solutions for urgent social issues and tasks – such as affordable housing, equal opportunity or sustainable economies – whereby we constantly ask ourselves: in what kind of a world do we want to live in the future?

Urban
We look at global developments from the perspective of the city. After all, cities are the places where the major challenges of our time – such as racism, climate change and gentrification – manifest themselves in a pronounced way. Cities are also places of progress and innovation. Many different people live there, all with their own dreams, ambitions and wishes. When we bring these people together, creativity is spawned and unexpected solutions arise for the major challenges we face.

Connected
Politics, economy, ecology and social issues: they are all interconnected. In the city, the country and all over the world. That is why we believe in an integrated approach. Only when we see the whole picture can we develop sustainable solutions. That is why we connect people from different disciplines and bring together individuals with a variety of opinions. In this way we arrive at conversations that generate innovative ideas that make the world and the city a better place.

Humane
We build cities for all. Cities are becoming increasingly diverse. There is no majority of one population group: differences in age, cultural background, gender (identity), religion, sexual orientation, and physical, mental and economic capacities are an intrical part of the city. Cities where everyone feels at home. Where the human dimension is at the centre, where exclusion has no place, representation and power distribution are in balance and all people are given equal opportunities.

 

Sustainability
We focus on an economy in which the well-being, health and resilience of people and the planet are at the centre, here and all around the world. In doing so, we respect the limits of our earth and commit to circularity, climate, environment and biodiversity. We are on our way to a sustainable city and society.

Equality
It all starts in the street, the neighbourhood and the district. This is where the people are with whom we want to build a better city and metropolitan area, a more beautiful world: a bottom-up approach. Here, residents, entrepreneurs and social organisations have a seat at the table, alongside governments, the business community and knowledge institutions. Only through cooperation between all stakeholders within the city and region can we arrive at sustainable solutions for everyone.

Design
We see all urban issues as design-related. By bringing together designers, artists and other creatives, we make room for imagination and different ways of looking at things. For example, we work on design principles with which we can shape a world that contributes to the happiness and well-being of all its residents.

Value-oriented
We bring people together, find common denominators and are not afraid to start awkward conversations. In order to take the next step together, we use the value-oriented dialogue as a form of discussion. The dialogue focuses on listening, understanding and constructive cooperation with one another.

Accessible
We offer space to all people who are committed to a city for all. We explicitly make room for marginalised groups, so that everyone (regardless of age, cultural background, capacities, faith and gender) is heard. We ensure that innovations and ideas that contribute to just and sustainable cities are given a stage. Access to our conversations is and will remain free.

Storytelling
We use storytelling to put current topics on the agenda and present innovative ideas. Stories inspire, give meaning and appeal to the imagination. We ensure that new talents and established names can meet one another. This creates new stories and exchanges between different points of view and mutual understanding.

Aankomende programma’s
Fotokroniek 110
Sandra Minten
In gesprek met Sandra Minten over de rol van taal en beeld in het vertellen van menselijke verhalen.
ma 16 jun, 20.00
Reserveer
Tipping Points Special
Change: how to make big things happen
How can we harness the mechanisms of going viral to spread good habits and new ideas?
ma 16 jun, 20.00
Reserveer
De Groene Stelling x Pakhuis de Zwijger
Tussen stad en land
Hoe zorgen we voor een gezond en groen landschap rond onze steden en dorpen?
di 17 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
Refugee Welcome Week 2025
Stories That Shift: Storytelling as action and archive
Exploring the power of storytelling through a panel session and a short film screening.
di 17 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
BioBlitz 2
BioBlitz: Bekijk de bloemetjes en bijtjes
Kom BioBlitzen op het Marineterrein en help jouw stad vergroenen! Deze keer gaan we op bezoek bij de bloemetjes, vlinders en bijen…
wo 18 jun, 14.00
Reserveer
Refugee Welcome Week 2025
We Dare to Dream
Can refugee athletes carry the dream of millions? A premiere screening marking the first ever Refugee Welcome Week in the Netherlands.
wo 18 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
In samenwerking met: A Hope Initiative en SudanConnect
Cola, Cosmetica en Conflict
De verborgen link tussen Arabische gom en het conflict in Soedan.
wo 18 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
Special
Afscheidsfeestje New Metropolis Nieuw-West
Neem samen met ons op feestelijke wijze afscheid van New Metropolis Nieuw-West.
do 19 jun, 16.00
Reserveer
Het Groene Filmfestival 8
Holy Shit @ Treehouse NDSM
Een initiatief van De Groene Stelling: Kunnen we met onze poep de planeet redden? In gesprek over kringlopen en taboes bij Treehouse NDSM.
do 19 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
Kringwijs presenteert: training voor buurtbewoners 3
Iemand Erbij
Leer hoe je het best kunt handelen in een crisissituatie met uiteenlopende problematiek.
vr 20 jun, 09.30
RFG Media x Pakhuis de Zwijger
Activisme en journalistiek
Wat kunnen we leren van gevluchte journalisten? Een dialoogavond met diner op Wereldvluchtelingendag.
vr 20 jun, 18.30
Koop kaarten
Queer City
Decolonizing Community
How can BIPOC Queer & Trans communities create braver spaces outside the normative standards?
vr 20 jun, 20.00
Reserveer
Amsterdam 750
Het Verjaardagbos
Vier de 750e verjaardag van Amsterdam samen met ons tijdens het Ringevenement en ontdek het Verjaardagbos!
za 21 jun, 10.00
SPECIAL
Tussen oorlog en vrede
Aan de vooravond van de NAVO-top een gesprek over vrede, veiligheid en de militarisering van onze samenleving.
ma 23 jun, 20.00
Reserveer
Unwanted Words Project presents:
Queer Poetry Night
Join us for the next edition of this open mic night!
di 24 jun, 19.00
Reserveer
ActionAid presents:
People Power for Social and Economic Justice in a Changing World
How women & communities, from Zimbabwe to Guatemala, are defending their rights and what it takes to turn hard-won gains into lasting change.
di 24 jun, 20.00
Reserveer
Economie van Morgen 16
Van TINA naar toekomstdroom
Hoe verbeeld je een rechtvaardige samenleving voorbij het neoliberalisme?
di 24 jun, 20.00
Reserveer
Het Groene Filmfestival 9
VPRO Tegenlicht Meet Up ‘Waterlanders’ @ Fort Penningsveer
Een initiatief van De Groene Stelling: Hoe ontwerpen we ons land voor een stijgende zee? In gesprek over klimaat, landschap en leefbaarheid bij Fort Penningsveer.
wo 25 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
Special
Heerlijk, helder, LNG
Hoe schoon gas en andere misleidende verhalen hun weg (niet) vinden in de media.
wo 25 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
De Circulaire Doorbraak 10
Help! Hoe kom ik tot een nieuw verdienmodel?
Hoe bouw je een verdienmodel dat niet langer draait om het verkopen van zoveel mogelijk spullen, maar is gebaseerd op reparatie, huur en tweedehands?
wo 25 jun, 19.30
Reserveer
In de spotlight