About

In a society that is becoming increasingly diverse, the House of All Languages is a place where people from all walks of life can come together; where children and adults can learn, get in touch and be inspired. It is a meeting place for a diverse array of cultures and languages. Here, knowledge, information, and personal development are made accessible for all ‘Amsterdammers’. It is a multi-cultural platform at the largest social and cultural organisation in Amsterdam: the OBA, one of the most publicly accessible and welcoming places in the city.

Together, we are one city

More than 175 nationalities and over 360 different languages in one city! How do we make sure that all members of our diverse community understand each other, hold an open and curious attitude towards one another? The House of All Languages aims to be the connecting link between Amsterdam’s many cultures. New collections and cultural programs will contribute to shared experiences, social cohesion, and equality. To resonate with our diverse audiences, we actively work side by side with cultural communities, both collectively and individually.

Stories that connect

The House of All Languages is more than just a collection; it is an assemblage of stories and people, by and for all Amsterdammers. By co-creating with the people of Amsterdam we bring together their stories and perspectives from many languages and cultures. With a collection of currently over 15.000 books, consisting of the most broadly spoken languages in Amsterdam, we have already started to build our House of All Languages: ranging from local Amsterdam dialect to Sranantongo and from sign language to street language. Our House of All Languages is a never-ending treasure chest of stories which will grow into an international meeting place, contributing to the quality of life for anyone residing in our beautiful city.

The House of All Languages is a place where all Amsterdammers can feel at home. A home for all colours. All tastes. All sounds. Starting at our central library OBA Oosterdok and spreading out over many of our city-wide locations in the near future.

We hope to meet you soon.

Join us as a partner
OBA huis van alle talen Rafael Dimiioniatis 27

© Rafael Dimiioniatis

Advisory board

The House of All Languages ​​is created by and for the needs of all the people living in Amsterdam. By working together with partners and residents of the city, we develop new collections and programs that represent the entire city. The advisory board provides the OBA with independent, solicited and unsolicited advice on the further development of the House of All Languages. We need this feedback to stay in constant contact with the city. It ensures that the House of All Languages ​​is a good reflection of the wishes and needs of everyone in the city.

Are you interested in the advisory board and do you want to become a member? Please, send us a message.

  • Joke Bosch

    Joke Bosch

    Member

    Joke Bosch is an acting study leader at the Reinwardt Academy. In addition, Joke is active as a board member in various additional positions. Until recently, Joke was a freelance museum professional and interim manager with a big heart for making heritage, art and culture accessible to new audiences. She has extensive experience in the Amsterdam cultural and museum sector and is one of the founders of the Amsterdam Museum Night.

    Joke Bosch is an acting study leader at the Reinwardt Academy. In addition, Joke is active as a board member in various additional positions. Until recently, Joke was a freelance museum professional and interim manager with a big heart for making heritage, art and culture accessible to new audiences. She has extensive experience in the Amsterdam cultural and museum sector and is one of the founders of the Amsterdam Museum Night.

  • Ron simpson

    Ron Simpson

    Member

    Ron Simpson is a creative entrepreneur, he discovered his own unique marketing formulas. In the past 15 years, he has rolled out business and marketing concepts worldwide. Over the years, he has developed campaigns for major brands such as Nike, Red Bull, Bacardi, ID&T and Sony. He is also the founder of "The Avocado Show", a restaurant that within a year has grown into a global brand with franchises on different continents.

    Ron Simpson is a creative entrepreneur, he discovered his own unique marketing formulas. In the past 15 years, he has rolled out business and marketing concepts worldwide. Over the years, he has developed campaigns for major brands such as Nike, Red Bull, Bacardi, ID&T and Sony. He is also the founder of "The Avocado Show", a restaurant that within a year has grown into a global brand with franchises on different continents.

  • Chafina Bendahman

    Member

    Chafina started her career by telling stories as a film and documentary maker, and as an editor for various TV programs. As a maker, producer and entrepreneur, Chafina never loses sight of the social aspect. Beautiful stories, inspiring makers and diversity are the binding factors of the Rose Stories foundation, of which chafina is co-founder. Rose stories is a cultural organization that focuses on the development of cultural projects specifically aimed at different cultures.

    Chafina started her career by telling stories as a film and documentary maker, and as an editor for various TV programs. As a maker, producer and entrepreneur, Chafina never loses sight of the social aspect. Beautiful stories, inspiring makers and diversity are the binding factors of the Rose Stories foundation, of which chafina is co-founder. Rose stories is a cultural organization that focuses on the development of cultural projects specifically aimed at different cultures.

Discover the rich HoAL collection