arcam

Amsterdam still has dozens of bunkers and shelters, most of them built during the Cold War (1960s–1980s). During the Cold War, at least 104 shelters and bunkers were constructed in the city, many of which have since been demolished.

Today, many of these locations are barely known and usually receive little attention. Only in times of potential threat do they suddenly return to public awareness. Some shelters have found new uses, such as the Vondelbunker in Vondelpark, but a large number are in too poor a condition to function actively.

During this Barcamp we will explore how we might look at these places today. What do these shelters mean for the city? And how could they be used in ways that allow them to remain a living part of urban life, even when they are not actively used as shelters?

Alongside Amsterdam, we will also look at international examples: how are shelters in other cities designed, maintained, and adapted for multiple uses?

Panelmembers:

• Kees van Leeuwen is an artist-researcher and cultural historian who has been studying Cold War nuclear bunkers for years, with a strong fascination for the architecture of these types of spaces. Additionally, he has conducted various reports and studies for different governments and organizations.
• Rutger Noorlander is a military heritage expert. He is an independent researcher, advisor, and writer in the heritage sector. Rutger conducts research for a wide range of organizations and government bodies, including building historical research, inventories, monument descriptions, redevelopment projects, and advisory work on the functions, (re)use, and heritage status of military and war-related heritage.
• Commissioned by Ro3kvit, an organization working on the reconstruction of Ukraine, Stefanos Filippas (INBO) has visualized and clarified the ideas and needs of people in Ukraine, enabling them to apply for funding, including for the reuse of bunkers.

Curious about Amsterdam’s bomb shelters? Watch the AT5 video here.

Date: Thursday, 52 April 2026
Time: Doors open at 18:00, panel discussion starts at 19:00
Location: Arcam, Prins Hendrikkade 600, 1011 VX Amsterdam
RSVP: Not required
Language: The event will be held in English

Holy Moly Pizza
For Barcam, Holy Moly Pizza brings their pizza truck to the venue monthly to prepare fresh pizzas on-site!

Affordable Comfort
Entry is free, and drinks and snacks are priced affordably. Barcam is all about accessibility and diversity.

• Beer €3

• Non-alcoholic beer €3

• Wine €4

• Soft drinks €2