Molen van West in Amsterdam-West offers two sheds for meetings, sessions and events, one for up to 184 people in theater layout and one for up to 96. The site stands on the grounds of Molen De Otter, a national monument from 1631 that the venue describes as the oldest working timber sawmill in the world. The address is Gillis van Ledenberchstraat 78.
Seminars and company events
The official site names strategy teams, consultancies, embassies, law and notary firms, financial institutions, creative agencies, cultural institutions and impact organizations as typical clients. Both sheds are meant for events, sessions and meetings. The water shed suits a plenary session of up to 184 people in theater layout, with a boardroom setup for 45. The wind shed suits presentations and lectures, with 96 in theater layout and a boardroom setup for 32. Staff can be added on request, including a host or hostess, crew and extra technical support.
Rooms and capacities
The water shed, called ~water, covers 270 m2. It has large windows and doors that open onto the Kostverlorenvaart canal. The stated capacities are 184 in theater layout, 45 in boardroom layout, up to 170 for a seated dinner and 210 in total.
The wind shed, called ~wind, covers 207 m2 and sits on the south side of the grounds. It has large windows and opening doors as well. The stated capacities are 96 in theater layout and 32 in boardroom layout, with a stated maximum of 280 in total. The site does not say which layout that maximum refers to, so confirm it before planning a large reception. Dinner capacity for ~wind is not given.
Catering
Catering is arranged through the venue's partners and ranges from classic to world cuisine and from finger food to food design. The venue states that its catering is sustainable and local. Hosts and extra crew can be added. The site is inconsistent about outside caterers: one line welcomes your own supplier while another says that bringing your own food or caterer is not possible. Confirm which applies to your event.
Sustainability and heating
The sheds are heated with aquathermie, which draws heat from the surface water. The venue reports two awards for this work, the SBIR Innovation Prize for Sustainable Heritage and the PROVADA Inspiration Award 2025. For organizations with sustainability goals, the heating and the heritage setting can be part of the event story.
History and setting
The mill grounds lie in a residential neighborhood of Amsterdam-West, where about 40 mills once stood. The venue describes the area as the first urban industrial district in the world. The mill from 1631 still saws timber today. The site presents itself as an oasis of calm in the city, close to the center yet apart from it.
Booking
An info sheet can be downloaded and a quote requested through the website. Contact is by email at hallo@molenvanwest.nl or by phone. The site also has pages for community co-creation and rates, which a planner can read before asking for a quote.
Getting there
The grounds are in Amsterdam-West next to the Kostverlorenvaart. The site has a page on location and accessibility, which should be checked for parking and public transport before arrival.
