History of Gooiland Hotel

During this time, several wealthy families move from the cities to the peaceful, green region of Het Gooi. The Buurke family wants to bring the urban entertainment of Hilversum with them and decides to build a venue for going out. They enlist architect Jan Duiker, a representative of the Nieuwe Bouwen (New Objectivity movement), and deliberately choose a hypermodern building. Duiker’s vision focuses on functionality and aesthetics, and thus Gooiland is born as a symbol of the modern era.

In July, Gooiland opens its doors. The striking building, designed by architect Jan Duiker in the style of Nieuwe Bouwen (New Objectivity), quickly becomes an important cultural and social hub in Hilversum. The sleek design—with plenty of light, air, and large windows—emphasizes Duiker’s modernist vision, which he himself describes as a “machine for culture, entertainment, and hospitality.” It becomes a place where social interaction and cultural progress come together.

Radio Netherlands becomes one of the main users of Gooiland. The well-known radio program “The Ship of the Week” is broadcast from here, allowing family members to send greetings to their loved ones at sea.

Gooiland thrives as a hospitality center. It becomes a popular spot for drinks and nights out, where the Hilversum community comes together. The combination of modern design and a welcoming atmosphere makes it an iconic meeting place in the Gooi region.

The opening of a cinema in the building adds a new dimension to its cultural range. It was a time when Alfred Hitchcock was becoming a major name and Western films were at the height of their popularity.

Gooiland becomes an important location for the KRO and media productions in Hilversum. Television and radio programs are recorded here, including the popular NCRV show Showroom. It's no coincidence that years later, a room in the event venue is named after this eccentric program.

Gooiland’s theater experiences a highly successful period. Numerous major productions take place, and well-known figures, including members of the Royal Family, attend performances at the theater.

The cinema closes its doors. The building is in need of renovation. To fund this, the municipality sells the painting Composition with Two Lines by Piet Mondrian, which will finance the renovation of Gooiland.

Gooiland is officially added to the national heritage register, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the building. In addition to the exterior, several interior features are also protected as monumental heritage. Elements such as the theater furnishings, copper light fixtures, the staircase, lobby floor tiles, and window frames have all been authentically preserved. This marks a new phase in the preservation of the building’s legacy.

Through a public sale, Mr. Van Eijl purchases the building from the municipality. The hotel returns to Gooiland, once again offering accommodation in the heart of Hilversum.

The theater enjoys a golden age, featuring performances by some of the finest artists from the Netherlands and beyond.

The club Let’s Get Down opens its doors in the basement of the building. It creates lively weekends and draws visitors from Hilversum and the surrounding areas.

Almost every cabaret performer includes Gooiland in their tour schedule. The theater is a beloved venue for cabaret and performing arts.

Philip Lamers becomes the owner of Gooiland and commits to the further development of the event venue and the hotel.

The launch of the sustainability plan marks a new phase. Gooiland focuses on environmentally friendly initiatives and sustainability.

The building has a recreational function, featuring a snooker bar, a grand café, and a club. However, from this time onward, the focus of the venue shifts to business events and the associated Dutch Brand Hotel.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gooiland’s event venue comes to a standstill. From a place of creativity, the Gooiland team launches ROEFF in the summer of 2020: a COVID-proof pop-up rooftop bar on Gooiland’s terrace. Within a few weeks, thanks to the hard work of the entire team, the concept comes to life. ROEFF is an instant success and attracts many visitors. A year later, in 2021 and still in the midst of COVID, ROEFF returns. This time with an urban jungle theme and the same familiar Gooiland faces serving and working behind the bar. After two successful summers, the focus shifts back to indoor events.

During the renovation, not only the event venue received a refreshed look, but also the hotel lobby of Gooiland. The lobby has been transformed into a versatile meeting place, where guests can work, relax, or enjoy a delightful drink. With the introduction of The Copper Bar, the lobby has become the new heart of the hotel, a place that combines comfort, style, and functionality.