Donation with ticket purchase
Paradiso needs to renovate and rebuild to continue to exist. Much money is needed to pay for this. Your donation will help with this. On this page you can read what the money from the contributions made with ticket purchases is spent on.
Why renovate and rebuild?
Paradiso needs a major renovation. The 140-year-old national monument has been used intensively since 1968 but no longer meets the requirements of today. This is necessary for the continued existence of Paradiso. The most important issues we want to tackle are:
- We want to make our building completely soundproof to solve possible nuisances for local residents;
- The construction of the building needs an intensive renovation;
- We want to create more space so that we can realize better facilities for our visitors, artists and colleagues;
- We want to make Paradiso completely sustainable;
- A renovated building also enables us to continue to innovate our programming to continue offering you the best and most diverse cultural offerings as a visitor.
With an increasingly one-sided and commercial Amsterdam city centre, preserving a colourful centre for alternative pop and nightlife is essential. Using renovation and reconstruction, we can look to the future without any worries. That is why we call this project 100 Years of Paradiso.
What will happen?
100 Years of Paradiso is a large-scale renovation and new construction project that will make Paradiso future-proof and energy-neutral. The main priority here is to maintain the character and allure of our particular monument. So don't be afraid of smooth new construction or escalators. With the renovation, we want to use the monument for all public functions and the latest construction for all supporting functions. The project includes the following components:
- Foundation maintenance;
- Insulation for sound and heat;
- Expansion of underground spaces and land next to Paradiso. This creates space for improving the public flows, sustainability installations, production storage, backstage facilities, educational spaces, offices and logistics.
What phase is 100 Years of Paradiso in, and when will the construction plans start?
This renovation project is particularly complex and extensive and will take many years. We are currently in the early design phase. Experts and architects are working on the development strategy and an initial draft design. We expect to publish this in the first half of 2025.Due to its location in the centre of Amsterdam, the building's monument status, and the specific requirements that a well-functioning Paradiso building must meet, the design process is extremely complex. Together with the financing and the permits, all preparations will take several years. It is, therefore, still too early to determine when the construction work will start.
Where does my donation go?
We established the Paradiso Fund last year. This fund aims to raise financial resources for the renovation and refurbishment of Paradiso. Contributions can be subsidies, gifts, sponsorship agreements, and legacies. Your visitor donation also benefits the Paradiso Fund and can only be used for the 100 Years of Paradiso project.
What do I get in return for my donation as a visitor?
First, the above plans ensure that Paradiso can continue to program in its current building for decades. Our large hall is the most iconic stage in Dutch pop history, and it can remain so in this way. In addition, we hope to improve your visitor experience in many areas. For example, many visitors will know that moving around a sold-out Paradiso is sometimes a challenge.
You also indirectly contribute to many social projects that we at Paradiso will realize with the extra space. Think of neighbourhood participation, educational programs, expansion of the successful SoundWorks program, and talent development for young Amsterdam musicians.
Does only the visitor pay for this project?
The Municipality of Amsterdam owns our monument and will have to be the leading financier of this project in that role. In addition, we are working with the Paradiso Fund on a broad mix of income. We do not expect to be able to cover all costs with this. That is why we also have to appeal to visitors prepared to pay a little extra for their tickets.
I also pay extra for Paradiso Membership; what is that spent on?
Paradiso understands that Membership can feel like an extra surcharge on your tickets, but at the moment, it is an indispensable lifeline for Paradiso's current activities. Unlike most other pop venues in the Netherlands – which do not charge membership fees to visitors – subsidies are only a tiny part of Paradiso’s income. Last year, less than 4% of its turnover consisted of subsidies. This means that Paradiso, a non-profit organisation, covers more than 96% of all costs.
Other options for donating
Would you like to make a one-off more significant donation, become a friend of Paradiso or request more information about leaving a legacy?