Rotterdam’s oldest pop venue Baroeg opens again

ROTTERDAM, 26 April 2026 – Poppodium Baroeg Rotterdam has officially reopened in a new building on Spinozaweg in Lombardijen. After two years away from its own venue, the city’s oldest pop venue opened its doors on Saturday 25 April with a sold-out opening day.

Baroeg opens in Lombardijen

The new Baroeg was officially opened by alderman Robert Simons after a series of try-out events. Throughout the day, 500 visitors came to see the renewed venue and a line-up rooted in Rotterdam’s alternative music scene. The opening programme featured performances by goth metal pioneers Asrai, young band Red Night, tribute band Reinkaos, rock veterans Bad To The Bone and headliner Rock Of Ages. Rock Of Ages brought together musicians from Picture, Officium Triste and the IJzeren Maagden. For Baroeg regulars, it was a proper return to the sound and community that have shaped the venue for decades.

Visitors welcome the upgrade

The sold-out opening drew enthusiastic reactions from visitors. “Fantastic location and lovely to see my friends again,” one visitor said.

Others pointed to the improved music hall and facilities. “The music venue has improved a lot,” another visitor said, while a performer described it as “a mega upgrade. Especially as an artist, you have a proper backstage and everything is well organised.”

Rotterdam heritage returns

Alderman Simons, responsible for areas including Economy and Hospitality, welcomed the reopening. “Baroeg is true Rotterdam heritage. I am glad that the oldest pop venue in the city has been renewed and is reopening. It attracts people and brings liveliness to the neighbourhood. That is good not just for Rotterdam’s music scene, but for everyone who lives, works or does business here.”

Since 1981, Baroeg has built a strong place in Rotterdam’s cultural scene. The venue is known as a home for hard alternative music and has a national and international reputation among fans and artists.

Alternative music at Baroeg

Over the years, artists such as Within Temptation, Volbeat and Epica appeared on the Baroeg stage early in their careers. Rotterdam names including Raven van Dorst, Jules Deelder and Frederique Spigt have also performed there.

In 2021, Baroeg was officially recognised as Real Rotterdam Heritage (Echt Rotterdams Erfgoed), acknowledging its role in the city. The venue’s agenda is now packed until the end of the year, with the full programme listed at www.baroeg.nl/agenda.

How to get there

Baroeg is located on Spinozaweg in Lombardijen, in the south of Rotterdam. The venue is close to the Lombardijen area and can be reached by public transport via Rotterdam Lombardijen station, followed by a local connection or a walk through the neighbourhood.

From the city centre, the trip takes you south across the river towards IJsselmonde and Lombardijen, which feels fitting for a venue that has always had its own loyal scene rather than a glossy city-centre attitude.