Tumult
Much that’s new, much that’s familiar
A new nameplate will be placed on VRIJDAG’s new building at Sint Jansstraat 7. From September 2026 onwards, VRIJDAG will continue under the name Tumult.
Once we wrap up the creative season in June 2026 at Walstraat (visual arts), Akkerstraat (music), and Noorderbuitensingel (theater), we will move to this new building, where all amateur artists will create under one roof. A hub for creativity in the city center—at the foot of the Martinitoren and next to the Forum—where you can experiment, learn, and collaborate. A place for creative energy by and for the people of Groningen.
In addition to numerous studios and ateliers, this new building will also house a Children’s Workshop, a theater hall, and an acoustic hall. These spaces can also be rented for amateur art presentations.
Timeline
Sep 2026
Opening new building
From September 2026, we will be moving to this new building where all amateur artists will create under one roof.
Oct 2025
Topping out ceremony
On October 2, the building’s highest point was celebrated with the announcement of the new name.
Sep 2024
Groundbreaking ceremony
On September 12, the official signal was given to start construction of the new location on Sint Jansstraat.
Jul 2024
Archaeological research
During the demolition of the building, a medieval wall dating from around 1420 was uncovered, and archaeologists also discovered a bomb from Bommen Berend.
Jul 2024
Dismantling of the organ
The historic organ from VRIJDAG has been dismantled and will get a new life in France. It will be carefully transported and later reassembled there for use.
Jul 2024
Start of the demolition
The building is being demolished. As many of the materials as possible will be reused in the new building.
Jul 2023
Move to Akkerstraat
Due to the upcoming demolition, the Music department will move on July 10 for approximately three years to De Studio at Akkerstraat 99.
Jun 2023
Farewell to Sint Jansstraat
With concerts, workshops, and performances, teachers and students of VRIJDAG said goodbye to the Sint Jansstraat location on June 24.
Frequently asked questions
This new building provides a future-proof and more sustainable home for amateur art in Groningen. As a dedicated space for amateur artists, it can become an even greater incubator of creativity. The new facility is designed for the contemporary spirit, where making art goes hand in hand with collaboration, exchange, and interdisciplinarity. This requires flexible, multifunctional spaces with plenty of room for social interaction. The current buildings cannot provide these options and, due to their historical character, cannot be adapted to meet these needs.
The current buildings are owned by the municipality of Groningen and will be made more sustainable. The plans for these locations are still unclear.
The new building for Tumult at Sint Jansstraat 7 is expected to open from September 2026.
Tumult provides space for creative rebellion, for artisans, for people who always want to keep learning, for those who enjoy working together, and for anyone seeking a creative home. Tumult stands for the bumpy path of a musician, learning to master their craft year by year. Tumult stands for the intense group process—from the first meeting to the applause—of a group of theater makers. Tumult stands for experimenting with materials and finding expressive power in the visual arts studios. Tumult stands for the creative buzz of school classes allowed to imagine and explore. At Tumult, we speak many creative languages through which the people of Groningen show their inner world.
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