De Koepel is a vibrant hub for culture, education, entrepreneurship and events.
The monumental building of De Koepel has been an icon in Haarlem for many years. Since 2022, following an extensive renovation, it has continued its role as an icon with an entirely new purpose.
Today, the impressive historic architecture comes together with modern minimalism in a spectacular interplay that breathes innovation, development and inspiration.
De Koepel is a vibrant hub offering space to more than 100 companies and creatives, 1,000 m² of co-working space and hundreds of students. With a rich programme of film, culture, events, a recently opened hotel and two hospitality venues, it is also a unique meeting place.
De Koepel invites you to step inside and experience it for yourself.
ORGANISATIONS
Our residents
Creativity, development & innovation under one roof.
Cupola XS
Other organisations in De Koepel
The national monument De Koepel, formerly known as the Koepel Prison, is a striking and historic building that has shaped Haarlem’s cityscape for decades.
The history of De Koepel goes back to the end of the 19th century.
1899
TO
1901
Construction of De Koepel Prison
The Koepel Prison in Haarlem was built between 1899 and 1901 by justice architect W.C. Metzelaar. He based the design on the work of his father, Johan Frederik Metzelaar, who had already built dome prisons in Breda and Arnhem.
The design of De Koepel was revolutionary at the time, with a central dome that created a panopticon-like structure in which guards could easily observe all prison cells from the centre.
1901
TO
2016
In operation as a prison
From 1901, De Koepel served as accommodation for countless prisoners.
The prison was closed in 2016 because its facilities were outdated and no longer suitable for modern detention requirements.
2016
Refugee accommodation
The closure of De Koepel led to discussions about the future of the building and how it could be given a new purpose.
Under the name Hotel De Koepel, the building temporarily served as housing for refugees in 2016.
2020
Renovation of De Koepel
The architectural importance of De Koepel was recognised, and plans emerged to give the historic building a new function. The Panopticon consortium presented plans to transform De Koepel into a so-called “Knowledge and Innovation Centre”, with space for education, entrepreneurship and events.
The transformation of De Koepel into a modern breeding ground for ideas, led by architect André van Stigt, was a complex process involving restoration, redesign and modernisation. Preserving the original architectural features was an important part of the project, resulting in a successful combination of historic heritage and contemporary functionality.
De Koepel reopened
At the beginning of 2022, the renovated Koepel opened its doors to everyone. In 2023, the impressive roof was given a new lighting plan, allowing De Koepel to be illuminated in every colour of the rainbow, beautifully visible both from inside and from afar.
2025
Half a million visits in one year
De Koepel Haarlem welcomed a record number of visitors in 2025: a total of 512,658 visits were recorded.
