Experience half a century of music, culture and stories at the Bolwerk

The grand opening takes place during the UITfestival on Atrium Square and is free to all. Musical guest of honor is Hans Vandenburg, frontman of the iconic band Gruppo Sportivo. Everyone is cordially invited to come and watch.

EST. 1975 takes visitors on a time travel through the history of the Bolwerk, Friesland's oldest active music venue. Once started as a social-cultural center, the Bolwerk grew into a breeding ground for music, activism and artistic expression. From the raucous waves of punk and protest in the 1980s, to the rise of hip-hop, dance and eclectic live performances in later decades, the Bolwerk moves with the times, forming an undeniable cultural pillar in the process.

The exhibition features fifty carefully selected items, each with its own story and meaning. Think original concert posters, atmospheric photographs, unique memorabilia and of course - music. John Schut, manager of the Bolwerk, says, "It was an intensive year to put this together. With more than 2,500 shows and events behind us, it was a challenge to capture the essence. We feel these 50 pieces perfectly capture what makes the Bolwerk so special: a place where time, culture and passion come together."

Visitors can also fully immerse themselves in the past during the opening. In the Theaterstudio, archival footage and sounds will play, bringing the story to life. Those who bring headphones can listen directly to playlists of music from the different eras via QR codes along the exhibition. On opening day, there is also a unique opportunity to get your hands on exclusive reprints of old posters and have the anniversary logo printed on your own garments, from T-shirts to jackets. As part of the UITfestival there are also previews from Theater Sneek, a musical treasure hunt through the Atrium, an outdoor cinema and much more.

The exhibition is free to visit in the Atrium from September 13 to October 26, during regular opening hours.