The Melkweg (English translation: "Milky Way") is a popular music venue and cultural center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is located on the
Lijnbaansgracht, near the Leidseplein, a prime nightlife center of Amsterdam. It is housed in a former warehouse and is divided into a number of
spaces of varying sizes. Besides a large hall for rock and pop music concerts, there are also spaces for dance/theater, cinema, photography
and media-art. The Melkweg is run by a non-profit organisation that has existed since 1970. Lijnbaansgracht 234a, Amsterdam, Netherlands, +31 20 5318181
It is referenced in the Cracker song "Euro-Trash Girl", the Lagwagon song "Infectious" and in title of the Half Man Half Biscuit
song "Prag Vec at the Melkweg". The title of The Church's song "Under the Milky Way" is also a reference to the Melkweg.
The website Fabchannel.com streams live and on demand concerts from the Melkweg.
The Leidseplein is a square in central Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Lying in the southwest of the central (canal) district of Amsterdam, the Leidseplein is immediately northeast of the Singelgracht canal. It is situated on the crossroads of the Weteringschans, the Marnixstraat, and the Leidsestraat. The Leidsestraat was originally named for being the road to Leiden. (Compare: Oxford Street, London) Several other streets in the vicinity of the square also refer back to the city of Leiden, but this is more because these streets cross the area. Such as the Lange (Long) and the Korte (Short) Leidsedwarsstraat (Leiden Side Street) .
The Leidseplein is one of the busiest centres for nightlife in the city. The square and the surrounding streets are full of bars, restaurants, outdoor cafes, theaters, dance clubs and the like. Street performers are often found on the square. The area is most popular with tourists and other visitors. Locals can be found here, but are on busy nights outnumbered by the amount of tourists. It explains why many signs and bar names are in English.
Melkweg Official Site (Dutch)
