Studio’s Aalsmeer

In 1920, amidst the fragrant fields of Aalsmeer, the Centrale Aalsmeerse Veiling first opened its doors. This original building, with its charming dienstwoning and a tall, slender tower, would later become the iconic Studio’s Aalsmeer. Studio’s Aalsmeer wasn’t always a hub for television production and grand events. It began as a much smaller flower auction house. The bustling flower trade brought so much success that the original building couldn’t contain it. The auction eventually moved, leaving behind the historic structure ripe for a new purpose. In 1983, the entertainment mogul Joop van de Ende saw the potential in the old auction house. He purchased the building and transformed it into a sprawling production center, expanding it to an impressive 65,000 square meters. Studio’s Aalsmeer became the birthplace of iconic Dutch television shows. The very first program to grace the largest hall, later christened Studio 1, was the “1-2-3 Show” with Rudi Carell. This same studio became home to many other beloved shows, including “Miniplaybackshow”, “Ron’s Honeymoonquiz”, the “Surpriseshow”, and “Miljoenenjacht”. Other studios within the complex also housed popular productions. “Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden” found its home in Studio 3, while Studio 8 was dedicated to “Call TV.” In 1994, Joop van de Ende merged with another media giant, John de Mol, to form Endemol. This dynamic partnership brought about 670 employees to Studio’s Aalsmeer, further cementing its role as a central hub in the Dutch entertainment industry. Studio’s Aalsmeer continued to evolve. In 1997, interactive entertainment spaces like ShowBiz City were added, offering visitors a chance to step onto the sets of their favorite shows and even participate in filmed scenes. Though Endemol eventually moved its headquarters, Studio’s Aalsmeer continued to host the production of numerous television programs across its nine studios. Shows like “Masterchef,” “Junior Dance,” “Junior Songfestival,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” and “Nederland Muziekland” all graced the studios at some point. Even the infamous “Big Brother” house was briefly attached to Studio 6 in 2005 and 2006, with the live shows broadcast from the same studio. More recently, the hit show “The Masked Singer” has found a home at Studio’s Aalsmeer, with filming typically taking place in September and October. Today, Studio’s Aalsmeer stands as a testament to its rich history. While Studios 1, 3, and 4 are still used for television productions, managed by EMG, the complex has expanded its role. It’s now a vibrant venue for events, trade shows, conferences, and spectacular shows like Brooklyn Nights. It also boasts restaurants, a cinema, a theater, and office spaces for companies connected to the media industry. From a humble flower auction house to a national monument of entertainment, Studio’s Aalsmeer continues to evolve and thrive, writing new chapters in its already fascinating story.