RAI-EN

Background

The RAI exhibition and conference centre already welcomes some two million visitors every year. A prestigious new hotel is planned to offer overnight accommodation nearby.

The RAI has excellent public transport connections. This district enjoys excellent accessibility from both Amsterdam Central Station and Station Zuid. Near the main entrance to RAI will be Europaplein station on the new Noord/Zuidlijn metro line. This will be just one stop from Station Zuid at which passengers can transfer to all other forms of public transport.

In 2009, the new RAI Elicium building was opened by HRH Prince Willem-Alexander. This 3400 m2 conference centre, designed by Mels Crouwel, has been built using the latest in sustainable construction technology. For example, the climate control system is incorporated into the building’s facade. There is also an innovative subterranean heat storage system, 187 metres underground. Like all the other buildings in the RAI complex, Elicium uses only sustainable ‘green’ electricity. With its ideal location, Elicium offers valuable additional conference and meeting facilities for all Zuidas companies. The building also boasts a unique artwork, Kristalpaleis (‘Crystal Palace’) by Giny Vos.

On the eastern side of the RAI lies Europaboulevard, which is to become a major public thoroughfare in the style of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It will be bounded by trees and greenery, with attractive squares and other welcoming public spaces.