A Unique Living and Working Collective in Groningen

The Old Roman Catholic Hospital (ORKZ) on Emmastraat has a remarkable history. In 1979, after the construction of the new Martini Hospital, the building stood empty with plans for demolition to make way for luxury homes. Amidst a housing crisis, squatters took action. On the night of September 2 to 3, 1979, the building was occupied, making it the largest squatted building in the Netherlands.

What started as a temporary protest grew into a permanent living and working collective. In 1985, the building was officially declared habitable, and since then, it has operated as an autonomously managed space with its own board and maintenance committees. Today, ORKZ remains a unique place where people live, work, and organize cultural activities, preserving an important part of Groningen’s history.