Zin in de Centrale Markthal!

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On Sunday, December 22, visitors can experience stories through tasting, viewing, feeling, and seeing at the Story Warehouse in the Central Market Hall. Sjoerd Kaandorp, known as the Plate Man, conducts interviews with entrepreneurial families that have been connected to the area for generations. Set designer Elian Smits shares her experience collaborating with individuals from Cordaan who worked and lived nearby. Theater maker Marjolein Frijling reports on her quest for sounds from West alongside students from Marcanti College. Flavor artists Mariana Martinez Balvanera and Eli Guerrero present a flavor palette and tasting in collaboration with the KolenkitKoks, featuring tastes from West. The program concludes with delightful snacks and drinks.

After the program, there is an opportunity for those interested to enjoy a free ticket to view an ice sculpture exhibition in the hall from 17:00 to 17:30. Participation in the storytelling program is required to receive a free ticket for the ice sculptures. In short, booking your ticket quickly is encouraged to be part of this experience!

About the Central Market Hall

The Central Market Hall in Amsterdam has been closed off from the city for over 80 years, accessible only to food traders. Soon, this enormous hall will become a place where local residents, food professionals, and enthusiasts from various cultures connect through their shared passion for food, culture, and innovation.

Repurposing

The Central Market Hall is located in the middle of the closed Food Center Amsterdam (FCA), also referred to as the "Belly of Amsterdam." From here, restaurants, shops, and companies in Amsterdam and surrounding areas are supplied. A new, smaller Food Center is being developed to the north of the Market Hall, while to the south, housing and a large grassy square will be established.

About the Story Warehouse

The Story Warehouse plays an essential role in helping Amsterdammers narrate their connection to the place. This involves stories of how the market responded to the evolving demands of the city. The influx of new Amsterdammers from India, Suriname, Turkey, and Morocco brought a desire for new food products such as garlic, madam Jeanette, coconut, dates, chickpeas, and sesame.

The Story Warehouse began its storytelling project 'Excited about the Central Market Hall' during the Open Monument Weekend 2024, focusing on the senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound. With various user groups from the area and local residents, stories will be collected and presented in an interactive installation during the city's anniversary year.

About Excited about the Central Market Hall

The project 'Excited about the Central Market Hall' is an initiative of the Storytelling Centre Foundation in collaboration with DW-RS Foundation, Boei, Cordaan, various artists, local residents, and users of the Central Market Hall. It is made possible with contributions from organizations like the Amsterdam Foundation and the Municipality of Amsterdam. The first presentation of the project will take place on Sunday, December 22. In the following months, further development of the storytelling installation will be pursued, with a small festival planned for late spring 2025.