Amsterdam’s newest club, noorderschip, is opening on an old pirate radio boat

Amsterdam is getting a new club with a very unique setting: noorderschip, housed within a 50-meter-long, old pirate radio boat.

The 300-capacity noorderschip, which has been docked in the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam North for years, will feature three levels, including a terrace and a dancefloor that sits below sea level, and will be equipped with a Funktion-One sound system. Additionally, the venue will feature a restaurant offering a locally sourced vegetarian menu and a daytime event space that will include multimedia programming like courses, lectures, art exhibitions and more. 

In an interview with Resident Advisor, the club’s creative director, David Cornelissen, said noorderschip will focus more on “the local initiatives and collectives that still need a place in Amsterdam”. The venue will specialize in local artists as well as international acts who are not regulars on the Amsterdam club circuit. 

“It is important there is a new venue for smaller initiatives that are looking for a place and don’t have to worry about filling a big room," Cornelissen told Resident Advisor.

Prior to its second life as a venue, noorderschip was home to Radio Veronica, a pirate radio station in the ‘60s, before a major storm forced the crew to abandon the ship in 1973.

While noorderschip is scheduled to open later this month, the venue has not publicly announced any events. Following its grand opening on 11th May, noorderschip will be open every Friday and Saturday. 

Visit noorderschip’s official website and Instagram account for more information once it becomes available.  

View some images of noorderschip below.

All images: © Sanne van den Elzen