Paard van Troje, Hague

Paard van Troje (Dutch for Trojan Horse), known as PAARD since 2016, is a renowned entertainment venue located in the heart of The Hague. Founded in 1972, it holds a special place in the city's cultural landscape. This venue is celebrated for its diverse and high-quality programming, which emphasizes 'quality pop' over mainstream acts.

PAARD is famed for hosting a wide range of touring artists and performers, including rock, jazz, and electro bands, as well as stand-up comedians. It's not just music that finds a home here; the venue also showcases film and theatre. It has the honor of being the starting point in the Netherlands for major international artists like U2, Prince, and Pearl Jam.

The venue comprises two stages: a smaller stage with a capacity of 300 people and a main stage that can accommodate 1,100 people. This flexibility allows it to host everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, including private parties, mega conferences, and the annual State-X New Forms festival. This festival, curated by the venue, focuses on avant-garde rock and cutting-edge music, further cementing PAARD's reputation as a hub for innovative and eclectic entertainment.

In 2005, PAARD's contribution to the nightlife and cultural scene was acknowledged with the prestigious Nachttempel Award, a testament to its status as a key player in the entertainment industry.