Anyone who grew up in Amsterdam knows Knijn Bowling on Scheldeplein. Exactly 55 years after its founding in 1971, the family-owned business celebrated a grand reopening party on Tuesday, November 10, after the building underwent the most extensive renovation in its history.
The venue began in an empty 2,000 m² space above the Knijn family’s auto shop and now attracts over 200,000 visitors a year. For decades, generations of Amsterdammers came here for children’s parties, first dates, and legendary benefit events. After a complete transformation, that rich history now blends seamlessly with a distinct 1970s interior.
From a garage attic to a bowling alley and a stage for André Hazes
In 1971, Paul Knijn and his brothers opened a bowling alley in a vacant 2,000 m² space above the family’s auto shop. The business quickly grew into much more than just a place to bowl. With disco nights, Twilight Bowling, and later Club Knijn, the family business also drew music lovers and Amsterdam’s nightlife crowd to Scheldeplein.
It was especially the annual Witte Bedjesnacht charity event that made Knijn famous throughout the city. During those evenings, the family covered the lanes to create a proper stage. André Hazes, Willeke Alberti, Lee Towers, and others performed there for charity.
Sisters Ilse and Olga Knijn are now running the business as the second generation. Ilse, born in 1971, wants to keep the place accessible to everyone: “At Knijn, I feel like I’m part of a community, even when I come alone.”
Retro interior and grand reopening featuring 300 icons
During the major renovation, the entire building was completely overhauled. The bowling alley, the café, and the ping-pong area now form a single open space in the style of the 1970s. From the wallpaper to the furniture, every detail is spot on. At the entrance stands a replica of the 1971 bar, and the original logo is back on display.
In addition to the interior, the family also revamped the menu. The classic grilled dishes and buffets are a thing of the past. Visitors now order classic Dutch bar snacks such as aged cheese and bitterballen.
On Tuesday, November 10, some 300 Amsterdam icons celebrated the venue’s festive reopening. Among those in attendance were designers Ronald van der Kemp and Bas Kosters, as well as representatives from Heineken, HEMA, Hotel De L’Europe, and Het Parool, who watched an opening show set to the music of Ramses Shaffy.
