Melkweg — Attraction in Amsterdam

Yesterday I went to a show at Melkweg in Amsterdam. I’ve been there twice before without issues, but this time was a mess. We arrived one hour early, like any normal person would do when they want to get a good spot near the stage. That’s not extreme — it’s common sense.

About 20 minutes before doors opened, three security guards suddenly started putting barricades outside, in a totally disorganized way. No communication. No guidance. Just yelling at the crowd and pushing responsibility onto us. They were rude, raising their voices, telling people they had to “organize themselves” or they wouldn’t let us in. Excuse me? We paid for those tickets. We were waiting respectfully for a show we were excited to see. We weren’t asking for a favor — we were standing in line for something we paid for.

The line had naturally formed like it always does. First by the entrance, then continuing along the sidewalk. But instead of helping to adjust things calmly or explain anything, the security guards made everything worse. They started placing barricades with no logic, no communication, creating confusion and tension. The front of the line ended up too close to the back of it, and people who had been waiting for over an hour were suddenly clashing with people who had just arrived. It was chaos, and everyone was frustrated — not just me. The crowd was clearly upset and being treated like a problem instead of customers.

Then, as I was finally entering the venue, one of the guards — a short blond man — started handing out cards with an email for complaints. I said, “Great, I’ll complain with photos.” And this man immediately came at me. Aggressively. Asking if I had taken a photo of him, puffing up his chest, clearly trying to intimidate me. Completely unprofessional and inappropriate behavior.

Let’s get something straight: I took photos on a public street, and that is not illegal. In fact, I’ve been to a police station before because someone was harassing me and taking photos of me in public. And the police made it very clear — if you’re in a public space, taking photos is not a crime. Period. So no, I did nothing wrong. What was wrong was his reaction. The hostility, the aggressiveness, the intimidation. Absolutely unacceptable.

I left that situation angry, disrespected, and honestly, disgusted. Melkweg is a big venue in Amsterdam. It hosts international artists and large audiences. They should be prepared for this. They should know how to manage crowds and treat people with respect. What we experienced at the entrance was a complete failure in organization and professionalism. We went there to enjoy a show — and we were met with stress, confusion, and aggression.

The only thing that saved the night was the performance. But the way we were treated at the door was a disgrace. Melkweg, we are your customers. And last night, we were...

Envision a space dedicated to fuelling creativity, promoting cultural exchange and offering an immersive experience in the heart of Amsterdam. Melkweg, translating to 'Milky Way', does just that, embodying an artistic galaxy right on our bustling planet.

Once a dairy factory, the Melkweg has transformed into a dynamic platform for contemporary arts, bringing together music, dance, theatre, film, and visual arts under a single roof. With its bold renovation and innovative spirit, it offers an arts centre that challenges the norm, embraces diversity, and embodies creativity.

The music concert experience at Melkweg is simply unparalleled. Whether it's a propelling performance from an up-and-coming band or the rousing tune from international stars, each performance envelopes you in a thrilling concert environment. The impressive acoustics coupled with intimate settings, bestow upon attendees an unforgettable live music experience.

But the Melkweg is not merely a concert hall. Its active promotion of a wide array of art forms serves as a testament to its mission for inclusivity and artist recognition. The cutting-edge exhibits display thought-provoking pieces that stimulate curious minds and inspire dialogue around topical issues. Furthermore, the cinema, coupled with the theatre, fosters narrative storytelling that resonates with audiences.

Attendees have a unique opportunity to broaden their worldview through diverse events: from thought-provoking lectures and debates to captivating photography exhibitions and theatre performances. It’s rare to find an entity that harmoniously blends multiple art disciplines, and Melkweg does so excellently.

Being centrally located near the Leidse square, the Melkweg sets itself as a perfect stop on Amsterdam's cultural map. Yet, it offers more than entertainment; it also provides a space for young talent to bloom through dedicated programs, showcasing its commitment to sustainable cultural and social growth.

In a nutshell, Melkweg provides an exquisite fusion of multi-disciplinary art forms, creating a vibrant cultural plateau that enlightens, entertains, and inspires. A visit here is not just attending a show; it’s immersing yourself in an innovative realm of artistic exploration and cultural celebration. Melkweg undoubtedly amplifies Amsterdam's dynamic art scene, continuing to push boundaries that contribute to our collective...

MACUMBA PARTY 23th MAY

I’m deeply disappointed and disturbed by the treatment I received during the Macumba party at Melkweg on the night of May 23rd. What was meant to be an enjoyable night out turned into a humiliating and distressing experience due to the aggressive and discriminatory behavior of the venue’s security staff.

Around 3AM, while I was about to go downstairs with a friend, a security guard abruptly pushed me aside without any explanation or warning. Shocked, I gently tapped him on the shoulder to ask why. Instead of responding, he grabbed my arm and ordered me to leave the venue. When I asked him to let go, two more staff members joined—one of whom identified himself as a manager named Erkan.

Expecting him to handle the situation professionally, I was stunned when he began speaking to me in Dutch. I politely asked if he could speak English, as I don’t understand Dutch. His response was outright xenophobic: “Go back to Spain, here we don’t behave like this.”

At no point was I intoxicated, aggressive, or disrespectful. I was simply trying to understand why I was being treated this way. Instead, I was manhandled, denied the opportunity to explain myself, and ultimately removed from the venue without even being allowed to retrieve my jacket from the lockers.

What makes this experience even more disheartening is the blatant contrast between the club's behavior and the image it claims to promote. The toilets are plastered with signs stating that this is a safe space—a message that feels hollow and performative in light of what happened to me. This kind of treatment doesn’t just fail to match that promise; it completely...