Felix Meritis was founded in 1777 by Amsterdam merchants as a society for arts, sciences, and commerce — its name means "happy through merit." The Keizersgracht building, constructed in 1787, is one of the finest examples of Dutch neoclassical architecture and served as the inspiration for the Concertgebouw's recital hall. It was renovated in 2021 and now operates as a cultural centre focused on contemporary debates about European culture, democracy, and social questions. Seven event spaces of varying scales — from the main Concertzaal to intimate meeting rooms — host an interdisciplinary programme spanning talks, panel discussions, film screenings, music concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. The programming is consistently high-quality and internationally connected. Felix Meritis is particularly strong for events that bridge academic discourse and public engagement. The location on Keizersgracht gives it a setting unmatched by most cultural venues in the city: a canal-side neoclassical building in the heart of the old merchant city. Events here tend to attract an educated, curious, multilingual audience. Worth following for the talk series in particular.