OT301 is a squatter-turned-cultural-centre on Overtoom in Oud-West, operating since 2000 in a building that formerly housed the Netherlands Film Academy. It's one of Amsterdam's most significant underground spaces: a non-profit, volunteer-run venue with a clear political identity and a programme that reflects it. It has survived multiple eviction attempts and legal battles, which has only deepened its position in the city's alternative culture. The building contains multiple spaces used for different purposes throughout the week: a club (the Lift) for DJ nights and live performances, a cinema, a gallery, a vegan restaurant (De Peper), and rehearsal and studio spaces for local artists. Events range from punk and metal to experimental music, film screenings, art exhibitions, political discussions, and skill-sharing workshops. Nothing here is packaged for an easy audience. Entry prices are kept deliberately low. De Peper serves some of the best affordable vegan food in the city, with a sliding-scale pricing model. OT301 doesn't advertise heavily, events are listed on the website and distributed through flyers and word of mouth. Finding it for the first time requires a small effort, which is probably part of the point.
3 upcoming events
