The history of TOBACCO Theater

The history of the building

The name ‘Nes’ refers to the marshy land that once lay here. Six centuries ago, this area was nothing more than a muddy field with sheep and geese, known as a ‘nesse’ in Middle Dutch. The official history of the Nes began in 1342 when it became part of Amsterdam’s territory.

In the centuries that followed, the Nes transformed into a bustling center filled with shops, businesses, and, as history often shows, cafés and entertainment venues. From café-chantants and music halls to the famous Salon des Variétés and artist cafés like The Empire, one of the first gay bars in the city.

However, around 1900, the atmosphere changed. The Nes lost its charm and became a street filled with tobacco offices, where business thrived during the day and silence took over at night. It became a commercial hub and even earned the nickname ‘The Hell’ due to the chaos during tobacco auctions, where buyers literally scrambled over each other to get the best tobacco leaves.

Fortunately, after a few decades, its glory returned. Theaters like Frascati, De Brakke Grond, and, of course, TOBACCO Theater breathed new life into the street. After years of planning, the street’s paving was renovated in 2019, and in 2020, about 40 wisterias were planted, aiming to make the Nes the greenest street in Amsterdam. The Nes is once again full of life!

Mission accomplished!

Since the summer of 2024, the Nes boasts three new eye-catchers. After a bumpy road full of challenges, the artworks of Streetart Frankey have finally landed in place. Thanks to the tireless efforts and support of many involved, we proudly unveiled these colorful rockets. Fly us to the moon!