Rails World 2025 is returning to the Beurs van Berlage, a national monument in the heart of Amsterdam. If you've walked through the city before, you've probably passed it without even realizing. The Beurs sits between Centraal Station and Dam Square, surrounded by canals, shops, and busy streets.

But behind its brick walls is a surprising history that shaped not just the city, but Dutch architecture.

The Beurs van Berlage

History

The Beurs van Berlage opened in 1903 as Amsterdam's commodities exchange, back when the city was a global hub for trade in everything from coffee to rubber. Architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage was asked to design a building that looked ahead, not back, what he came up with broke with tradition: visible steel, red brick, and sharp lines instead of pillars and decoration.

At the time, it wasn't exactly beloved. Critics thought it looked too plain for such an important institution. But it quietly reshaped how people thought about public space in the Netherlands, influencing the Amsterdam School of Architecture and laying early groundwork for European modernism.

Berlage saw the building as a "temple of labor", not built to glorify wealth but to dignify work itself. A lot has changed since the trading days, but that spirit still lingers. The original exchange hall is still intact and now hosts conferences, concerts, exhibitions, and public events.

The Beurs today

The Beurs is now one of Amsterdam's most recognizable venues and is open to the public when not booked for events. The Beurs is often used for cultural festivals, debates, and major corporate gatherings. Rails World will take over the Beurs van Berlage, with plenty of room to stretch your legs between sessions, grab a refreshment and visit stands.

You might've already seen Beurs van Berlage and did not realize it. It shows up in Ocean's Twelve, The Hitman's Bodyguard, Sense8, and dozens of other scenes in movies and TV shows set in Amsterdam. At the same time, the interior sometimes hosts contemporary art shows, trade fairs, classical concerts, and even chess tournaments.

Despite its touristy location, the Beurs often surprises people with what's going on inside. Quiet exhibitions, lectures, and events that contrast with the chaos outside on the Damrak.

Coffee nearby

While there will be plenty of refreshments served throughout the conference, if you need a caffeine fix before, after or between sessions and want to get some fresh air, these spots are within easy walking distance:

• Coffee & Coconuts - Spacious, relaxed vibe with great espresso and coconut water. Perfect for a longer sit or catching up on emails.
• Bocca Coffee - Known for quality single-origin beans and expert brewing. Small but excellent.
• Scandinavian Embassy - Specialty coffee with Nordic flair. Great if you want something a bit different.
• Lot Sixty One - A short walk from the venue, this roaster serves seriously good coffee and has a minimalist industrial vibe.

Getting there

• By Metro: Centraal Station is a short walk north, and Rokin is about 10 minutes south.
• By Tram: Multiple lines (4, 14, 24, 26) stop at or near Dam Square, which is right around the corner.
• On foot: If you're already in the center you can walk to the venue. Amsterdam's flat, compact, and easy to navigate so the Beurs van Berlage is likley a 5 to 15 minute walk from your hotel.

Accessibility

Beurs van Berlage is fully accessible for people with mobility needs. There are elevators to all public floors, step-free entrances, and accessible restrooms. Event staff are used to supporting large international conferences and are can assist you with any additional needs.

You can read more about accessibility on the Rails World website.