Leiden, the perfect destination for associations

Leiden, City of Discoveries, has all ingredients to make a conference of any association a success. The city has a rich history of both culture and knowledge, made possible by the oldest university in the Netherlands. In no other city is culture so easily intertwined with a conference programme. All within an intimate, walkable historic city centre.

Leiden, the perfect destination for associations

Leiden is a city of knowledge with a rich history made possible by the university, founded in 1575. The oldest university in the Netherlands. Every day new discoveries are being made: by the University Leiden, the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) and Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest life sciences knowledge cluster in the Netherlands and one of the leading life sciences clusters in the world. A great and inspiring atmosphere for any conference.

Knowledge

The knowledge present within the city has become tangible by, among other things, the various museums. Leiden has no fewer than 13 museums, housing centuries of discoveries, ranging from art and history to medical science and biodiversity. There is a relevant exhibition on almost every discipline, waiting to be a part of a conference or event as social programming or as venue!

Culture

Additionally to knowledge, the city itself has a lot to offer delegates as well: an abundant and rich cultural heritage and a beautiful vibrant city centre. Follow in the footsteps of young Rembrandt, born in Leiden and where he developed his talents. With the city’s labyrinth of streets, alleys, courtyards and over 3.000 monumental buildings, the city still feels like one of Rembrandt’s paintings. Furthermore, Leiden has 28 kilometres of historic canals running through the city, which allow delegates to enjoy the city from the water. An experience that will inspire any delegate!

Broad range of conference venues

Leiden boasts extraordinary venues for conferences and events in all shapes and sizes: from a black-box conference centre which can be shaped to preference to beautiful halls in one of the museums, two gothic churches, the oldest theatre in the Netherlands, a beautiful city concert hall, a giant human body or one of the University buildings. Leiden is a popular destination for smaller or middle-sized conferences to 500 delegates. However, the last few years Leiden has successfully hosted several larger conferences! The city can host conferences and events up to 2.500 delegates.

Accessible

Leiden’s location is ideal: a stone’s throw away from the larger cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the most connected airports in the world, is only 15 minutes away. Additionally, the beach can be reached within 20 minutes. There is no city in the Netherlands where knowledge and culture can be so easily intertwined with a conference program or event. All this within an intimate, compact, walkable historic city centre. An atmosphere that enhances any conference. For more information, see www.leidenconventionbureau.nl