Westergas Cultural Park
Since 2021, CANTINE has been located on the historic grounds of Cultuurpark Westergas. One of the most characteristic and creative places in Amsterdam. In the middle of the green Westerpark you will find here a unique mix of monumental architecture, culture, craft and gastronomy. It is a place where the industrial past of the city seamlessly merges with the vibrant Amsterdam of today.
A building has style if it has a character, if it expresses what it is, provided it does so in a clean way.
The Westergasfabriek
Before the advent of coal gas, people lit their homes with candles, grease or oil lamps. Heat was obtained from wood or peat. After the advent of coal gas, lighting in the Netherlands gradually changed. Lighting the streets with coal gas was much cheaper than with oil. For this, however, additional factories had to be built. Therefore, on July 23, 1883, Amsterdam gave the London Imperial Continental Gas Association the sole right to build two gas plants in Amsterdam. These became the Wester and Oostergasfabriek. The gas was initially used for city lighting ("city gas"/"light gas") and later for individuals and businesses.
The design of the buildings came from Amsterdam architect Isaac Gosschalk (1838-1907). Gosschalk's style soon became known as Hollandsche Neorenaissance. The buildings on the site were designed without too much excess in contrast to, for example, the Rijksmuseum, opened in the same year (1885). Above all, the factories had to be suitable for what they had to do; house the machines.
When the factory lost its function in the 1960s, the site stood empty for a long time. In the 1990s it was given new life: the monumental buildings were restored, the industrial atmosphere was cherished, and Westergas developed into a creative and cultural urban village.
In the 21st century, Westergas definitely transformed from a former industrial area into one of Amsterdam's most beloved and cultural spots. The municipality invested heavily in redevelopment, focusing on sustainability, creativity and heritage preservation. The restored factory halls, machine buildings and warehouses were given new functions: from movie theaters and galleries to artisanal workshops, studios and restaurants.
During this period, the area was also further greened and connected to Westerpark, making Westergas a place where urban energy and nature effortlessly converge. Since 2021, CANTINE has been one of the permanent residents of this dynamic urban domain,a lively meeting place for culture, art, craft, events and gastronomy.
CANTINE is part of a vibrant community at Cultuurpark Westergas. Right next door you will find inspiring neighbors that make a visit to Westergas even more special. So you can visit Amsterdam in Motion enjoy a unique audiovisual experience that fuses art, movement and light, an ideal cultural stop before or after your dinner. Also Museum VILLA, housed in a beautifully restored monument, is well worth a visit. Villa is the new home for playful, experiential contemporary art. No difficult explanations, but art that touches you directly. Together with artists they decorate the house, bringing each room to life. The work on display changes regularly, surprising and inspiring each visit. A place full of stories, wonder and love at first sight.
We gladly recommend both neighbors to our guests: together they make Culture Park Westergas a place where food, culture and experience go hand in hand.
Cultuurpark Westergas is a place where history, creativity and gastronomy come together. Whether you stop by for a walk through the park, a cultural visit to our neighbors or an evening at CANTINE: there is always something to discover in this unique piece of Amsterdam. We look forward to welcoming you.