Escape is one of Amsterdam’s most legendary nightlife destinations, located prominently at Rembrandtplein 11 in the heart of the city’s historic Binnestad district. Founded in 1986, it quickly rose to fame as one of the largest and most progressive nightclubs in the Netherlands, setting a new standard for dance venues in terms of both scale and production quality. Over the decades, Escape has become an iconic cornerstone in Dutch and European club culture, celebrated for its innovative sound systems, cutting-edge LED lighting, and diverse music programming.

Its reputation grew swiftly in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly as house and electronic music flourished in Amsterdam. Rather than relocating, Escape has evolved in its original site, consistently updating and expanding its interiors to keep pace with the rapidly shifting trends of global nightlife. The club’s sprawling, multi-level structure has allowed it to operate several unique spaces within the same venue, including the more intimate Escape deLux and Escape Studio, each offering a different musical and social vibe.

Beyond being a nightlife hotspot, Escape has played a key role in shaping Amsterdam’s status as a music mecca, hosting some of the world’s foremost DJs and live acts while nurturing the talents of emerging local artists. Notable artists who have performed at Escape include international stars like Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Erick Morillo, Martin Garrix, Bob Sinclar, Roger Sanchez, and Fedde Le Grand, as well as celebrated Dutch talents such as Hardwell, Laidback Luke, and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano. The club has also featured performances from electronic and dance music pioneers like Paul van Dyk, Calvin Harris, and Afrojack, further cementing its role as a rite of passage for both global and homegrown artists in the world of electronic dance music.