De Balie
theaterCentre for contemporary arts, politics and culture offering theatres, a cinema and a café-restaurant; hosts debates, film screenings and cultural programmes and provides event spaces for up to around 400 attendees.
Upcoming Events (10)
Nationaal Gesprek over Vrijheid: Sybrand van Haersma Buma
A public debate at De Balie in Amsterdam on April 7, 2026, featuring Sybrand van Haersma Buma. Nationaal Gesprek over Vrijheid invites a panel-style discussion on the necessity of free, public discourse for democracy and civic life in the Netherlands.
Zwangerschap is geen vrouwenzaak
An insightful De Balie debate addressing pregnancy as a public issue rather than a private matter. The talk invites attendees to reflect on gender politics, reproductive rights, and how free, public discourse shapes policy and social norms in modern society.
Onder hoogspanning: energiecrisis als wapen
Public debate at De Balie in Amsterdam exploring how the energy crisis is framed as a weapon and what a free, open discourse should look like. A sharp panel discussing energy policy, media framing, and democratic accountability in a contemporary urban setting.
In gesprek met Nita Liem
Join a moderated conversation with Nita Liem at De Balie in Amsterdam as they explore the need for free, public debate. An insightful discussion on democracy, media, and open dialogue in contemporary society, inviting questions from the audience.
Plein Publiek: Gijs Swantee
Join Gijs Swantee for a public panel at De Balie in Amsterdam as they discuss the necessity of open, public debate. This thought-provoking evening explores democracy, digital governance, and how transparent discourse shapes policy. A lively, accessible discussion in a renowned cultural venue.
Europe Without Orbán?
At De Balie in Amsterdam, a panel examines the prospect of 'Europe Without Orbán'—exploring democracy, dissent, and the future of free public debate in Europe. A timely discussion featuring diverse voices on how Viktor Orbán’s policies shape European politics.
Simone de Beauvoirs ‘De tweede sekse’ herverteld
A thought-provoking lecture at De Balie revisits Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, reframing gender, freedom and public debate for today’s audience. Expect a lively discussion in Amsterdam about feminist philosophy and how the classic text speaks to contemporary society.
AI at War – with Shane Harris
A De Balie lecture titled 'AI at War' with journalist Shane Harris, examining how artificial intelligence reshapes modern conflict, governance, and public discourse. The talk invites a lively, free public discussion on AI’s political and security implications and the ethics of autonomous systems.
Kennismakers: blik op femicide
A focused Kennismakers discussion at De Balie in Amsterdam examining femicide, its social roots, and how public dialogue can shape policy and prevention. Scholars, activists, and practitioners explore accountability, protection, and concrete steps for change.
De Republiek
De Balie hosts the debate 'De Republiek', exploring the necessity of free, public debate in modern democracy. A sharp, policy-minded discussion in an intimate cultural venue in Amsterdam, inviting thinkers to challenge and defend public discourse.