About this Event
➡️ Ever wonder why Amsterdam’s housing is so wild?
➡️ Curious how these "decaying" 80s neighborhoods became Europe’s hotspots?
➡️ Want to meet the author who literally wrote the book on it?
If you’ve chosen to live here, you deserve to know the story of how Amsterdam became the city it is today.
“AIC Presents: The Making of Amsterdam (1980–Today)” An evening of history, snacks, and "aha!" moments with acclaimed journalist and author Marcel van Engelen.
Marcel has lived in Amsterdam since 1990 and spent years interviewing the politicians, activists, architects, and residents who shaped the city firsthand. His Dutch book De stad (2024) was widely praised and is now in its 10th printing. The English edition, Amsterdam: The Making of a City, 1980–Today, has just been published by De Bezige Bij, making this story available for the first time to Amsterdam's growing international community.
Here’s what’s in it for you:
- The Inside Scoop: Learn the transformation from 1980s squats to the 2026 global hub. 📈
- Visual Storytelling: Marcel uses rare photos and stories from his bestseller, now in its 10th printing, to bring history to life.
- Interactive Q&A: Get your burning questions about the city answered by a local expert.
- Win the Book: We’re hosting a mini-quiz at the end—the winner takes home a signed copy! 🎁
Real history, no boring lectures
From the squatters who shaped the streets to the housing boom and the current overtourism crisis—this is the "manual" for the city you live in.
📍 WHERE
Meet Berlage Oudebrugsteeg 9, 1012 JN Amsterdam, Netherlands
📅 WHEN
Wednesday, April 15th
- 16:30 – 17:00: Pre-event drinks & networking (The fun starts here!) 🥂
- 17:00 – 18:00: Author Talk, Q&A, and Quiz.
CHOOSE YOUR ENTRY
Our events are open to everyone, but our community only exists because of your amazing support! When registering, please choose the option that fits you best:
- 🎟️ Free Ticket: Everyone is welcome! Registering ensures you receive all important event updates and news.
- ❤️ €2 Community Supporter Ticket: Register for the event and make a small donation to our foundation. This €2 contribution directly helps us cover operational costs and keep hosting accessible gatherings for internationals.
- 🌟 Want to support AIC long-term? Get the instead! It is the ultimate way to support our organization while unlocking exclusive discounts, perks, and free entry to our premium gatherings.
No matter which you choose, we are just happy to have you with us!
Whether you arrived last month or have been here for years, this is the story of the city you call home.More about the book: marcelvanengelen.nl/amsterdam-book
Let’s uncover the secrets of our favorite city together! 🧠
💬 Got questions about this meetup? Ask ツ AIC assistant, your 24/7 AIC Community Assistant on WhatsApp! Text ツ AIC to ask what happens if you're coming alone, check if there will be a host, or find out what other AIC events are happening this week:
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Event venue & nearby stays
Meet Berlage, 9 Oudebrugsteeg, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.