Area-tip: Strijp-S

If you’re visiting Dutch Design Week, you simply have to experience Strijp-S—without it, your DDW visit wouldn’t be complete! It’s the city’s creative heart, where all disciplines come together. With more than 120 design projects, you can spend an afternoon here. Strijp-S also has everything you need to sample local beers or join one of the DDW parties.

Where?

Strijp-S

Need a ticket?

Yes, you can find it here.

How to get there?

Visiting DDW by public transport bike is not only sustainable, it’s also the fastest way to get from A to B. From the station, it’s a 9-minute ride in a straight line to Strijp-S—easy peasy! If you prefer an alternative, you can take the train from Eindhoven Central Station to Strijp-S Station, which is just one stop away. You can also take bus 401, 402, or 403 to the “Strijp-S” stop.

Why do you want to come here?

The 'forbidden city' that Strijp-S once was has become one of Eindhoven’s most vibrant and trendy neighborhoods. With more than twenty locations, including a pop-up bar with a DJ booth, it’s a must-visit for every visitor.

Featured locations

• Klokgebouw: The ideal starting point for DDW visitors. The day will fly by with so much to see in the four halls. Here you will find designs in the form of concrete solutions for the present and sustainable and creative materials for the future. Don't forget the Class of 25! Here, various design academies present their most impressive graduation projects. 
• Ketelhuisplein: With an area of approximately 7,000 m2, this is one of the largest open-air museums during DDW. It features creations by designers from all corners of the globe. There are quite a few Grand Projects to blow you away this year. 
• MU Hybrid Art House: As always, MU offers a refreshing and challenging perspective on art, design, and technology. During Dutch Design Week, a new generation of designers, makers, and architects showcase their talent.
• Plug in City: What if you opened a book in the Library of the Future and the story literally came to life around you? Meet Boekbot and Biebbot, who will guide you to a story that suits you. 

Our recommendations

• Can you remember your dreams, or do they disappear the moment you wake up? Dream Recorder captures your dreams and replays them as videos.
• When we say HEMA, you say … hot dog, smoked sausage, folding crate, tompouce, or Takkie? In 2026, HEMA will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a design competition during this edition of DDW. This is your chance to create the next iconic HEMA product!
• Undivided Attention: In a world of distractions and fleeting communication, we miss genuine attention. This installation creates a connection by looking deeply into someone else’s eyes. Every emotion is welcome: a staring contest, awkward glances, or uncontrollable laughter!
• Between Signals: Be honest, how much screen time do you average per day? Disconnect from your smartphone and experience what it’s like to feel as free as a bird.
• The Umbra Pavilion is an installation made of solar textiles—yes, you read that right: solar cells woven into shade cloth. At night, this innovative fabric playfully emits light. It's almost magical, right?
• Kiki & Joost celebrate 25 years of creative adventure with new works, tapestries, daring wearables, and more. It will be on display from October 18–24 in their studio on Kanaaldijk-Zuid, and on October 25–26, with a special selection in the Klokgebouw.
• Seeds of Hope: Fontys Trend Research & Concept Creation graduates present their visions of the future with creative concepts on themes like love, freedom, mental health, and AI. Each project is a small seed of change and hope for tomorrow. Good to know: every three days, new students present their projects. 

More DDW nearby

Now that you've explored Strijp-S, why not complete the experience and visit Strijp T+R as well? And when hunger strike, head to the cozy Grand Café, nestled between the exhibition spaces on the Piet Hein Eek grounds.

Other fun things to do in the area

Don't head home just yet after getting your design fix at Strijp-S! The area boasts a variety of beer cafés, restaurants, and party spots. Looking  to dance during Dutch Design Week? Check out this list of parties.