Orange Knowledge Programme

KIT was founded in 1910 as the Colonial Institute, with the aim of collecting and disseminating knowledge about the Dutch colonies, particularly in the tropics. It served as a centre for research and education in the fields of tropical agriculture, trade, and health care. The current monumental building of KIT was designed by architect J.J. van Nieukerken and his sons and was completed in 1926. The building is a beautiful example of the Amsterdam School style, with detailed brick architecture, artistic decorations, and symbolic elements that refer to the colonial history.
After decolonization and the independence of Indonesia, the mission of the institute changed. It was renamed the Royal Tropical Institute and focused more on development cooperation, sustainable development, and intercultural cooperation.
Today, KIT combines its historical roots with modern objectives. The event venue offers space for conferences, symposia, dinners, parties, and cultural events, while at the same time striving for sustainability and social responsibility. The profits from events and activities are invested in knowledge projects that contribute to a sustainable future worldwide.

We believe it is important that our guests feel safe and that they have a carefree visit to our location. We ensure this by deploying security guards for events with more than 100 people and outside office hours. In addition, all our employees are trained in safety procedures and there are always qualified first aiders present in case of medical emergencies.

Our location is unique in many ways. Our building has a monumental status and was built in the 20th century. The impressive architecture, symbolism and reflection of colonial history and cultural diversity in combination with the beautiful marble makes it unique. In addition, our location contributes to sustainability by contributing its profits to knowledge projects aimed at a sustainable future worldwide. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations that value corporate social responsibility. The central location and easy accessibility by public transport makes it an ideal place for both local and international guests. Situated next to the Oosterpark, it provides guests with an inspiring and serene environment. In short, the unique combination of historical value, cultural significance, sustainability, central location and green surroundings makes the Royal Tropical Institute a special and attractive location in Amsterdam.

Our location contributes to sustainability and environmental friendliness by investing its profits in KIT’s knowledge projects that focus on a sustainable future worldwide. When you organize an event with us, you contribute to these initiatives. This means that in addition to enjoying a well-organized day at a fantastic location, your choice also has a positive impact on environmentally friendly and sustainable developments worldwide.

At our location it is not allowed to bring your own catering. This is because we offer our own catering. We have a large and diverse arrangement that we offer. Contact us to take a look at our Foodbook.

We are happy to advise you on the quantity of catering to prevent food waste. If there is any food left over after an event, we have a partnership with Blije Buren. The remaining food is collected by this organization and then donated to lonely residents so that they have one less thing to worry about and a sense of community is created.

We offer a wide range in our menus. However, if there are specific wishes that are related to a theme, for example, our chefs will be happy to think along!

We would like to receive the final number of guests at least 2 weeks in advance. This way we can ensure that we can prepare everything properly.

We would like to receive the final numbers and all dietary requirements at least 2 weeks in advance. This way we can ensure that everything is taken care of down to the last detail on the day of your event.

To make your event a grand success, we are happy to fulfill all your wishes. We also have the possibility for personalized flower decorations, an in-house photographer who is happy to capture your event and entertainment options. Contact us to find out what we can offer you!

The maximum decibel at our location is 98. Playing music and holding sound checks is possible from 17:00 during the week. This is in connection with the tenants living in our building.

We maintain a closing time of 01:00 when organizing parties. This closing time ensures that both our guests and the residents can enjoy a quiet and safe environment. It also allows us to maintain the highest quality of service and to prepare the location in time for any events the next day. In addition, this way the guests leave at the peak of the evening, which gives the party a memorable and positive ending.

The standard setups we offer are theater setup, board setup, U-shape setup, school setup, cabaret setup and round tables. Another idea? Contact us to discuss this, we are happy to think along!

Yes, all rooms can be delivered empty except for two rooms. The Queen Maxima room has a fixed theater setup and the Regentenkamer has a round table in the room as standard. The other rooms can be arranged according to your wishes. The standard setups that we offer are theater setup, board setup, U-shape setup, school setup, cabaret setup and round tables. Another idea? Contact us to discuss this, we are happy to think along with you!

Our rooms can be rented for the entire day. When a room is rented, this can be per half day or a whole day. A half day is equal to a duration of 5 hours and a whole day to 8 hours. We use an end time of 01:00 when renting our rooms for parties.

We work with partners for audiovisual services, signing and branding. These partners have a lot of experience with our location and can deliver high-quality services. For catering, we have our own catering services and we also work with preferred caterers to meet your culinary wishes.

Yes, standard audiovisual equipment is included in the room rental. This includes a flipchart, a screen and Wi-Fi. In the Queen Maxima room, three microphones and a viewing screen are also included.

All rooms are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the Mauritszaal. We strive to make our facilities as accessible as possible for everyone, but unfortunately the Mauritszaal has limitations that prevent wheelchair access. Should there be a specific need, we will be happy to help you with an alternative solution in our other rooms.

Unfortunately it is not possible to have a photoshoot at our location outside of an event. Please contact us for the possibilities.

At our location, the possibilities are endless. For example, large congresses and conferences are organized, but also large parties and fancy dinners. Curious whether your event is also possible at our location? Contact us to discuss your ideas with us, we are happy to think along!