The Koepel

The former Koepel prison in Haarlem has undergone a remarkable transformation. Following a civic initiative by Haarlem entrepreneur Jacqueline van de Sande, aimed at giving the Koepel a public function, architect Andre van Stigt carefully restored and revitalised the building from 1901.

The transformation of the Koepel is not only about architecture. The building has gained a new meaning, evolving from a closed prison into a public tech campus where students, talent, professionals, entrepreneurs and visitors come together to explore culture, study and work on the future of their careers or businesses.

Today, the Koepel houses Filmkoepel with six cinema halls, a bar, restaurant and hotel, the gaming museum Level One, and Haarlem Campus, which will soon welcome around 650 bachelor’s and master’s students. The complex also includes workshop spaces, a media hub with film, photography and podcast studios, office spaces, digitalisation labs, office studios and 1,000 m² of co-work and learning space.