ROTTERDAM, 23 March 2024 – The iconic Baroeg, Rotterdam's oldest live music venue known for its (hard) alternative music scene, is set to undergo a transformation. A partnership between the city, artists, and fans promises a future-ready establishment.
Baroeg's redevelopment
In a significant move for Rotterdam's cultural landscape, the existing building of Baroeg, the city's oldest venue for (hard) alternative music, is slated for demolition and reconstruction. The project, supported by the municipality of Rotterdam, artists, and patrons, aims at modernizing the venue for future demands. Diederendirrix, an architecture and urban planning firm, has been selected through a tender process to design and further develop the new structure.
A historic venue
Since its inception in 1981, Baroeg has been a bastion for (hard) alternative music, garnering national and international recognition. As a platform for both established and emerging talent, Baroeg celebrates its 43rd anniversary this year, securing its place as Rotterdam's most venerable live music venue. Additionally, it has been designated as Cultural Rotterdam Heritage.
Audience dancing enthusiastically at Baroeg. Photo credit: GWMP.
A vision for the future
The current facility, owned by the city and originally designed as a youth center rather than a music venue, no longer meets the demands of the times. The forthcoming building will feature an upgraded concert hall and improved facilities, including a larger backstage area for artists and enhanced office spaces, designed to welcome both performers and visitors alike. The completion of the new premises will enable Baroeg to enhance its mission: to entertain, unite like-minded individuals, and foster talent, while preserving its unique 'living room' atmosphere.
Timetable for renewal
Demolition is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024, with the grand opening of the new venue anticipated in the fall of 2025. During the interim, Baroeg will host performances at various locations throughout the city, including V11, Maassilo, Podium Grounds, Rotown, SoundVille, and the annual Baroeg Open Air festival in Zuiderpark.
Artist impression of the new Baroeg. Photo credit: Diederendirrix
Farewell to the old, welcome to the new
To bid farewell to its current home, Baroeg is curating a diverse program in March and April, offering fans of every genre a chance to say goodbye. Highlights include the return of Toontje Lager, and the final editions of Festerfest, Downward Spiral, Submit Fest, and Live Hard Or Die fest, culminating in a weekend of celebrations in late April.
Baroeg on tour
From May onwards, 'Baroeg On Tour' will see the venue programming events in other Rotterdam locales, featuring a range of international acts from the dreampop, stoner, doom, and death metal genres.
For tickets and further information, please visit Baroeg's official website: www.baroeg.nl, which also includes details on the temporary relocation during the construction period.
Directions to Baroeg
