Het HEM

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Het HEM is closed …

Art

Art is our first language. Even while we are closed for renovations, our programming continues. You will find our art programmes at off-site locations throughout the year and on the digital platform The Couch. The permanent installations in Het HEM will remain open to the public after the renovation.

Performances & Events

Installations

Media

Music

Our music programme focuses on experimental ways of making, presenting and experiencing sound in the building through listening sessions, live performances and musical artist-in-residence programmes. During renovations, we organise music programmes at off-site locations and on the digital platform The Couch.

Books

Het HEM loves books. During your visit, come lose yourself in the library's rich selection.

Community

Homebase
Artists Studios
9 dates with 'Still Life'

Private Hire

The building's industrial design and our experimental art programme bring ambience and meaning to every event.

About

Situated in a former munitions factory, Het HEM is a new home for contemporary culture.

Support

News

Het HEM is closing its doors on the Hembrugterrein in Zaandam

Five years after its opening in 2019, Het HEM will close its doors at the former munitions factory at Hembrugterrein in Zaandam at the end of summer. At the same time, Het HEM is looking into relocating options in Amsterdam.

The original plans for Het HEM included the creation of a hotel function, in combination with the cultural space. However, challenges such as the delayed development of the Hembrugterrein and its accessibility, severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, have greatly affected these plans. The delay in the necessary area development, the difficult public transport accessibility and the extensive renovation work needed, means that continuing Het HEM is not feasible.

As a result, Amerborgh, the founder of Het HEM and owner of the building, has decided to discontinue the activities of Het HEM in Zaandam at the former munitions factory. The remaining programme initiated by Het HEM and other stakeholders within the building will continue to take place during June and July. All activities will stop by the 1st of August.

Het HEM's independent artistic and editorial platform, The Couch, will stop its activities as well, but will remain online and accessible for the future. New publications will be paused as the platform enters “Vacation Mode” on July 31st. Meanwhile, The Couch team explores possibilities for future partnerships with potential hosts.

Amerborgh and the board of Stichting Het HEM are currently in discussions with the city of Amsterdam to find a new location for Het HEM, as they firmly believe that an Amsterdam location offers the opportunity and potential for Het HEM to serve as a hub for art and (night) culture in the capital.

Amerborgh and the board of Stichting Het HEM are immensely proud of the impressive programming that has been accomplished since 2019 by director Kim Tuin and her team. We are grateful for and proud of the extraordinary dedication of all employees, artists, volunteers, benefactors, and other stakeholders. Throughout the years and despite many obstacles, Het HEM has been able to share its unique, multidisciplinary approach to art, music and culture with its local and regional neighbours. Now, we say goodbye to our beloved building while hoping to move on to new chapters.

Sincerely,
Het HEM’s team
Stichting Het HEM
and Amerborgh