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
Tipping points 6
Tilting towards hope
A crash course on tipping points. In this special episode: climate tipping point pioneer Tim Lenton explores how positive social tipping points can push towards a new order.
ma 28 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
Gebiedsontwikkeling 65
Bouwen voor demografische verandering
Hoe zorgen we dat de woningen die we nu bouwen aansluiten bij de demografie van 2050?
di 29 apr, 20.00
Reserveer
Amsterdamse Architectuurprijs 2025
Architectuur & cultuur
Cultureel-maatschappelijke impact van architectuur op (inter)nationale schaal.
do 1 mei, 19.30
Reserveer
Vrij Nederland x Pakhuis de Zwijger 1
Storm Donald
Hoe staat Amerika en de wereldorde ervoor na 101 dagen Donald Trump in het Witte Huis? Met o.a. Laila Frank en Bas Eickhout.
do 1 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Dag van Empathie 2025
Dag van Empathie Festival 2025
Op 3 mei staat Pakhuis de Zwijger volledig in het teken van verbinden.
za 3 mei, 13.00
Reserveer
SPECIAL
The Tears of Eastern DR Congo
The hidden forces behind the Eastern Congo conflict.
di 6 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Doevendansen met Nieuw-West 14
Het Ontstaan van Nieuw-West
Gesprek tussen stadsdeelbestuurder Sandra Doevendans, experts en bewoners over thema’s die spelen in Nieuw-West. Samen met Lyongo Juliana.
do 8 mei, 19.00
Reserveer
Museumvereniging x PdZ
Olie, verf en soep
Musea, activisten en kunstenaars in gesprek over schone kunsten en vuile sponsoren
do 8 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Kringwijs presenteert: training voor buurtbewoners 1
Iemand Erbij
Leer hoe je het best kunt handelen in een crisissituatie met uiteenlopende problematiek.
vr 9 mei, 09.30
Boekpresentatie
Na verzet komt (r)evolutie
De lancering van Clarice Gargard's nieuwste boek 'Na verzet komt (r)evolutie' én de start van haar tour die aanzet tot beweging en maatschappelijke verandering.
ma 12 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Designing Technology for All 4
AI & Human Creativity?
How can technologies like generative AI serve our creative practices and what do we need to move forward?
ma 12 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Tegenlicht Meet Up 254
De consultant regeert
Consultancybureaus spelen een steeds grotere rol in beleidsvorming, en de kosten hiervan nemen toe. Wat betekent dit voor de toekomst van het openbaar bestuur?
wo 14 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Van Eesteren Museum x New Metropolis Nieuw-West
Tuinstad van de toekomst: verdichten met visie
Hoe verdichten we Nieuw-West met behoud van de ziel van de tuinstad?
wo 14 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Bou di Watapana! (Under the Watapana Tree!) 5
Caribische diaspora in de Nederlandse media
In gesprek met gevestigde professionals uit de Caribisch-Nederlandse diaspora over hun ervaring in de Nederlandse media.
do 15 mei, 19.30
Reserveer
Kringwijs presenteert: training voor buurtbewoners 2
Iemand Erbij
Leer hoe je het best kunt handelen in een crisissituatie met uiteenlopende problematiek.
vr 16 mei, 09.30
Queer City
Decolonising Pleasure
How can we create space for pleasure in a world full of genocide, racial inequality, and injustice? And how can we resist through pleasure and BIPOC Queer and Trans joy?
vr 16 mei, 19.30
Reserveer
Talk of the Night 3
Nightlife from the neighborhood to the city
How do we incorporate and sustain a diverse and vibrant nightlife in a changing Amsterdam?
di 20 mei, 19.30
Reserveer
De Staat van de Stad 2025
Daar waar we elkaar vinden
Hoe verzetten we ons tegen verdeeldheid en het recht van de sterkste? Over verbinding als fundament voor een weerbare stad.
di 20 mei, 19.30
Koop kaarten
Gekaapt door het kapitaal 2
Wonen: grondrecht of verdienmodel
Wonen is een verdienmodel geworden. Hoe zorgen we dat wonen weer betaalbaar wordt?
wo 21 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
Rondo Europa 3
De wachtkamer van de EU
Door een veranderende wereldorde staat Europese uitbreiding weer nadrukkelijk op de agenda. In dit programma praten we je bij over hoe Europese toetreding werkt.
do 22 mei, 20.00
Reserveer
In de spotlight