The Oosthal is not an “empty hall,” but a place where Amsterdam shipbuilding and engine technology are literally present. You organize your event in and next to Museum ‘t Kromhout, between cast iron trusses and historic, working Kromhout engines.
The Kromhout Wharf
Yonder on the Nieuwe Vaart, on Kadijk Island, lies the Kromhout Shipyard: a place where Amsterdam still lets its industrial heartbeat be heard. A modest shipyard, named after carpenter Doede Jansen Kromhout, began here in 1757.
More than a century later, in 1867, the Goedkoop family took over the site and radically modernized the shipyard. With innovations such as a steam ramp and electric lighting, the focus shifted step by step from shipbuilding to engine building – a development that gave the yard national fame.
In 1888, the cast-iron West Hall first arose. The East Hall followed in 1899: the hall that later became the setting for the rise of the Kromhout engine.
Around 1900, a machine factory was set up on the east side. Under the hood, Jan Goedkoop developed the first Kromhout engines: compact, reliable and exactly what inland shipping needed. Demonstration boats with Kromhout power traveled past exhibitions and across the waters; “Kromhout” became a household word.
When engine production burst at the seams, the factory moved to Amsterdam-North. At the yard on the Hoogte Kadijk, repairs and tar work continued until 1970.
After closure, demolition threatened. A foundation bought the site and buildings in 1975, and in 1976 the characteristic roofs were given national monument status. Later, Stadsherstel Amsterdam took over the complex and a phased restoration (1999-2004) followed.
Three choices were central to that restoration:
Thus, the West Hall became a working shipyard again and the East Hall was given a second life as a museum space and cultural meeting place.
The East Hall of the Kromhout shipyard houses Museum ‘t Kromhout. Here you can still experience real manufacturing industry: between cast-iron trusses and skylights stand the historic, working Kromhout engines.
The museum is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and also every third Sunday of the month from noon-4 p.m.
On these days, engines are demonstrated and volunteers tell the stories behind these Amsterdam powerhouses. The engines are not silent monuments, but working witnesses – the sound and rhythm of the machines make history tangible.
Coming with a group, class or team? The museum provides customized tours and educational programs. Group visits are available, by arrangement, any day of the week.
Want to experience the East Hall in real life or schedule a viewing ahead of an event? Get in touch; we’d love to think with you.
