Art and culture

In a city that has sculptures and statues in abundance and where even bus stops and public lavatories have become important eye-catchers, one can imagine there is always something unexpected to see. In line with this, the university launched a twenty-year sculpture project, commissioning a new sculpture on a regular basis, each inspired by the history, famous figures and work of the university. The last will be placed when the university celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2014.

Theatres in style

Cinemas and theatres cater for the culture-minded. Matching the Groningen way of life, these venues, large and small, can be found scattered througout the city. Films in ‘Images’ or concerts in the ‘Oosterpoort’ are only two of many options. For a night out in style, visit the ‘Schouwburg’, which is considered to be the most beautiful theatre in the country.

Festivals and music

As one example of Groningen's many festivals, every August the Northern park is transformed to house ’Noorderzon’: ten days of music, circus, dance, theatre, food and drink, where international acts and local talent are equally welcome and perform sheltered by the park's foliage. With late-night jazz, funk and bluesrock café’s, musical festivals, and live music in a number of pubs every night, Groningen is open to every musical taste.

Some venues

Vera is a public club for the International Pop Undergound which organizes concerts, movies and swing evenings. For example, you can visit a ‘support your local scene’ band from Groningen in the cellar.

Simplon is a youth centre which is ‘Young, dynamic, cultural, technological, artistic, open 24 hours a day, cheap, no nonsense, sweaty and a Walhalla for musicians’. Each week Simplon organizes concerts by international, national and local bands, movies and swing evenings with avant garde and innovative music. Simplon serves food and drinks at the bar. Simplon also has its own youth hotel which is open 24 hours a day, a fitness room and practice room for bands.