The building originally served as the research laboratory for Philips, earning the nickname 'the white village' during its peak.
Gilles Holst, a Dutch physicist, played a crucial role in establishing the research environment at this exact location.
The facility was the birthplace of numerous audio and video innovations that shaped global consumer electronics.
The 'Natlab' name is a shortened form of the original Dutch name, Natuurkundig Laboratorium.
The complex was repurposed into a cultural hub following the relocation of Philips' primary research departments to the High Tech Campus.
Natlab is a multidisciplinary cultural venue located in the historic former Philips Physics Laboratory in Eindhoven. The facility occupies the building where significant technological advancements, including the compact disc and early television components, were developed. Today, it functions as a cinema, theater, and exhibition space. The site features multiple screening rooms for independent films and festival selections. The onsite cafe serves as a central hub for social interaction and cultural debate. The industrial architecture has been preserved to reflect its scientific heritage. It hosts a diverse program of performing arts, debates, and technology-focused events. Visitors can engage with both commercial cinema releases and niche arthouse productions. The venue is deeply integrated into the Strijp-S urban development area.
The minimalist, industrial staircase and the preserved historical signage in the main foyer.
Book tickets online in advance for weekend film screenings to ensure availability.
Explore the historical placards near the entrance that detail the site's research history.
Pair your visit with a walk through the surrounding Strijp-S district to see transformed industrial architecture.
Do not mistake the modern venue for a traditional museum; it is an active cultural center where social noise and conversation are expected in communal areas.
