On Sunday, November 1, Amsterdam Zuid Station will undergo a historic transformation. While the brand-new Britten Passage welcomes travelers, the familiar Minerva Passage will close permanently for a renovation expected to last several years.
Anyone who wants to discover how the station is changing has one more chance: before the construction fences go up, the old station concourse will be transformed—just this once—into a free festival venue full of sports, art, and live music for young and old alike.
Skating, painting, and playing sports on the station floor
Between 12:00 p.m. and the end of the afternoon, the familiar walking route transforms into an interactive playground. The highlight is the giant mural at the southern entrance on Gustav Mahlerplein, where passersby, guided by professional street artists from the STRAAT Museum, can pick up a paintbrush themselves.
Further along, the Shot table tennis club challenges visitors to fast-paced mini-tournaments and demonstrations, while chess enthusiasts take their seats in a timed simultaneous exhibition against Grandmaster Anna-Maja Kazarian and International Master Merijn van Delft.
For children and daredevils, there’s plenty of action: from roller skating and parkour across the concourse floor to unicycle lessons from Circus Snor and digging in a giant sandbox.
Participation is free, but be sure to arrive early (space is limited)
The festival on Sunday, November 1, is free and open to everyone, but many activities have strict capacity limits. For activities such as the painting stations with the STRAAT Museum and the simultaneous chess match against the masters, you must reserve a time slot online in advance. Given the high level of interest, spots are limited—once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Starting Monday, November 2, the pedestrian route for travelers will change permanently. The Minerva Passage will be closed for at least three years, and the station entrance will move 200 meters west to the brand-new Britten Passage. There, you’ll immediately find a covered bike rack for 2,000 bicycles, a station piano, and—starting Tuesday—various new stores will open.
