LAB-1

Imagine a place where the lines between a cinema, a nightclub, and a cozy living room blur. That is exactly what LAB-1 is—a unique multifunctional space that has become the true cultural heart of Eindhoven. Set in a historic building of a former cinema, it invites guests to immerse themselves in a nostalgic 80s atmosphere.

LAB-1. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Within these walls in the Netherlands, five cinema halls, a spacious lounge area, and a dynamic club hall are all united under one roof. Here you can find both cozy boutique screening rooms with personalized service and a grand hall with a 70s-style balcony. Retro charm meets a modern approach to leisure: by day, the venue serves as a space for work and socializing, and by evening, it transforms into an epicenter of cultural events.

The main concept of the establishment is to create a "stage for everything": from Hollywood blockbusters and arthouse films to live concerts, stand-up shows, and techno parties. This is a place where everyone feels at home, whether you are a tourist looking for an unusual experience or a local who came to play old video games over a glass of your favorite drink.

To check the event schedule or book seats in the boutique screening rooms, you can use the official communication channels. The staff are known for their hospitality and are always ready to help guests navigate the program.

During the day, this is the perfect spot for some leisurely chilling. You can settle into the lounge area with a laptop, enjoying high-quality coffee, or challenge your friends to a match of retro games in the lobby. The atmosphere encourages socializing and creativity, and the eighties-style interior sets a great mood for meetups.

Film lovers will find a true paradise here. You can choose to watch a film in Cinema 1 to enjoy the view from the original balcony, or opt for the more intimate setting of boutique halls 3–5, where personalized service is available. The repertoire is impressive: from documentaries to world cinema classics and the latest releases.

As darkness falls, the space transforms. On Fridays and Saturdays, the venue hosts parties featuring DJs playing house and techno that don't stop until 6 AM. In addition to dancing, the event halls regularly host comedy shows, intellectual quizzes, and art exhibitions, so you certainly won't be bored.

Located at Keizersgracht 19, this cultural center sits in the very heart of the city's life. If you arrive at the main Eindhoven Centraal railway station, the walk to the venue will take about 15–20 minutes. This is a great way to get to know the architecture of the city's central streets.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses stop nearby. If you are coming from Eindhoven Airport, the most convenient option is the express bus No. 400, which will take you to the center in half an hour, followed by just a short walk.

In the best traditions of this country, many locals prefer to arrive by bicycle. Special parking zones for two-wheeled transport are provided near the entrance. If you plan to travel by car, keep in mind that parking in the center is paid and spaces may be limited in the evening.

The history of this project began in 2013 as a temporary initiative. Originally, the venue was located within the walls of a decommissioned Philips physics laboratory (known as Natlab) in the creative Strijp-S district. This set an industrial and experimental tone for the entire venture.

In 2017, the project briefly moved to Mariënhage, one of the city's oldest buildings, before finding its permanent home. The current chapter of the venue's life began in 2018 when the team took over the former EuroCinema building. The official opening in this space took place in February 2019.

The new owners treated the heritage of the old cinema with care. Many authentic details have been preserved in the interior, including the original hall signs and the general layout, which helped create a unique retro charm. Today, it is considered one of the best examples of urban space revitalization, where old walls are filled with new energy.

The amount of time you should set aside for a visit depends heavily on your plans. For those who just want to drop in for a cup of coffee, play some retro games, or admire the interior, 1–2 hours will be sufficient. This is enough time to soak up the atmosphere and take a few aesthetic photos.

If you plan to watch a movie or participate in a trivia night, your visit will likely last 3–4 hours. For nightlife enthusiasts, everything changes: parties here often last until dawn, so you can easily plan for 6–8 hours of non-stop fun to high-quality electronic music.

The venue is open daily, offering guests different leisure formats depending on the time of day. During the day, a calm working atmosphere prevails, and as night approaches, the excitement levels rise, especially at the end of the week.

The opening hours are as follows:

• Monday — Wednesday: 10:00 – 00:00
• Thursday: 10:00 – 01:00
• Friday — Saturday: 10:00 – 04:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 00:00

After a movie session or some downtime in the lounge, it’s a great idea to take a stroll around the neighborhood. The central location allows you to reach iconic monuments and the futuristic buildings that this city is so famous for in just a few minutes.